India Races Against Time as Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka and Heads Toward Tamil Nadu: What We Know So Far

New Delhi | November 28, 2025 Cyclone Ditwah has turned into a severe humanitarian and weather emergency across Sri Lanka and parts of South India, prompting urgent rescue efforts, international aid, and continuous monitoring by meteorological agencies. As of Friday, at least 46 people have lost their lives in Sri Lanka due to landslides and flooding triggered by the cyclone’s intense rainfall. Another 23 people remain missing, while nearly 44,000 people have been evacuated to shelters as the storm continues to move across the island. Schools have been closed, train services suspended, and even the Colombo Stock Exchange halted operations early as the weather worsened. The storm, according to officials, is still intensifying as it crosses Sri Lanka and enters the southwest Bay of Bengal. In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to Sri Lanka and confirmed that India has already rushed relief material under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Guided by the Neighbourhood First policy, India stated that it stands ready to provide any additional assistance needed. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the operation has officially begun, with INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri handing over relief supplies in Colombo. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has also been deployed to support Sri Lanka’s flood rescue missions, using its helicopters and resources to assist in evacuations and essential aid delivery. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has moved into full preparedness mode as the cyclone is expected to approach the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning on November 30. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over several districts on November 29 and 30. Gusty winds reaching up to 90 kmph are expected along the Tamil Nadu coast, likely decreasing gradually from December 1. The Tamil Nadu government has deployed NDRF teams across multiple districts, activated dog squads trained to locate survivors under debris, reviewed real-time monitoring systems, and instructed officials to be on high alert. Relief camps are being set up in predicted impact zones, and 24/7 medical teams have been deployed at government hospitals to manage any emergency health situation. India’s coastal regions are already witnessing the early effects of the approaching storm. Fishermen have been advised to suspend all operations, and people in vulnerable areas have been urged to remain indoors. Several flights traveling from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram were diverted due to severe weather conditions, causing temporary strain on accommodation in the city. Leaders such as Shashi Tharoor have appealed to local hotels to assist stranded passengers, highlighting the ripple effects of the cyclone across borders. With the cyclone moving at around 8 km per hour, authorities expect it to reach the Southwest Bay of Bengal and draw closer to the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coastline by November 30. Multiple districts across South India, including coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, Kerala, and Telangana, have been issued warnings of heavy rainfall over the next two days. As teams on both sides of the sea race against time, the situation remains highly dynamic, with agencies urging the public to follow official advisories and prioritize safety as Cyclone Ditwah continues its path. India Races Against Time as Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka and Heads Toward Tamil Nadu: What We Know So Far Cyclone Ditwah has created a severe situation across Sri Lanka and is now moving toward the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. At least 46 people have died in Sri Lanka and 23 remain missing after heavy rainfall, landslides and flooding affected several regions. Nearly 44,000 people have been moved to shelters as the island continues to face intense rain and strong winds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences and said India has rushed urgent relief materials under Operation Sagar Bandhu. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri have already delivered supplies in Colombo and remain ready to support rescue work. Helicopters and Navy teams are assisting flood-hit areas as Sri Lanka continues emergency operations. In India, the IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 29 and 30 in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with strong winds likely along the coast. Tamil Nadu has deployed NDRF teams, medical units and disaster response squads, while the health department has ordered round-the-clock preparedness. Fishermen have been advised to suspend operations, and several flights from Colombo were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to bad weather. Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to stay indoors and follow safety instructions as the cyclone moves closer.