Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: Red Alert In Puducherry, Storm Leaves 153 Dead In Sri Lanka; Flights Disrupted

As Cyclone Ditwah approached closer to the coastal region of Tamil Nadu, 47 flights scheduled for Sunday have been cancelled at Chennai Airport due to the threat of heavy rain. Of the 47 flights, 36 are domestic, and 11 are international.

If the cyclone intensifies further, more flights are expected to be cancelled. Therefore, passengers scheduled to travel tomorrow are advised to contact their respective airlines to confirm departure timings and plan their travel accordingly, Chennai Airport authorities have said.

Air India on Saturday issued a travel advisory on the possible disruption in flight operations due to heavy rain and strong winds resulting from Cyclone Ditwah

Air India requested the travellers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The airlines also advised people to contact their call assistance for any assistance.

The Indian Air Force will begin evacuation flights from Colombo at 5 AM on Tuesday to bring stranded Indian passengers back home, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday. The announcement comes amid severe flight disruptions in Sri Lanka, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport due to Cyclone Ditwah.

The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday urged the public to stock essential commodities as Cyclone Ditwah, which devastated Sri Lanka's southeastern coast, continues to move northeastwards over the Bay of Bengal towards the state.With extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds expected over the next 48 hours, officials have emphasised the need for early preparedness across vulnerable districts.Residents have been advised to keep adequate supplies of drinking water, milk, vegetables, medicines, candles, batteries and other necessities at home.

A 150-member NDRF team with specialised equipment has been deployed to Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, as part of preparedness measures for Cyclone Ditwah. 

Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah causes waterlogging on the Tirumala temple premises.

In response to Cyclone Ditwah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assessed the readiness of Southern Railway teams to ensure minimal disruption. War rooms have been set up at board, zonal, and divisional levels, while the Railways continues to work closely with civil authorities and monitor the situation until normal operations resume.

As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant conducted search-and-rescue missions in Sri Lanka today, aiding those impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. 

High Commission of India in Colombo, Dr Satyanjal Pandey, met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Acting HC assured the passengers that every possible help would be extended to them. He added that the Government of India would facilitate their safe and swift travel back to India. Following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka is facing extensive flooding, landslides, and major service disruptions, including flight cancellations. The Indian High Commission in Colombo is assisting Indian passengers in distress and arranging their return to India.

Sri Lanka’s former foreign minister described the situation, saying, “While the worst of the cyclone itself appears to have passed, its full impact is only now becoming clear. As of 6 pm today, around 153 deaths have been confirmed, 191 people are missing, and many remain unaccounted for. Nearly 770,000 people from approximately 217,000 families have been affected. Rising water levels in parts of Colombo, Gampaha, and other western provinces, as well as areas near reservoirs and rivers, pose a serious threat and could cause further devastation in the coming days.”

Former Sri Lankan Foreign and Finance Minister Ali Sabry has reacted positively to India’s launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah and said, “India’s response has been exceptional, quick, effective, and truly appreciated. This isn’t new; India has always been a steadfast friend and neighbour to Sri Lanka. Their actions once again reflect the Neighbourhood First policy. I am deeply grateful that, just as during the economic crisis when I was Finance Minister, India has stepped up at a moment when Sri Lanka needed support the most.”

The Indian government has set up an emergency help desk in the capital city of cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, Colombo, to assist citizens struggling with the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. 

According to the High Commission, Indian citizens facing distress at any airport or location in Sri Lanka can contact the emergency number +94 773727832, which is also accessible via WhatsApp, reported ANI.

High tides, strong winds and rainfall have affected the coastal areas of the Union Territory of Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah moves closer. 

Cyclonic Storm ‘Ditwah’ is very likely to continue to move north-northwestwards and reach over the Southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamilnadu, Puducherry and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning of 30th November, said IMD in its latest bulletin. 

After inflicting severe damage and causing nearly 123 deaths in Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah exited the Island on Saturday. 

According to local media reports, quoting the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the death toll due to cyclone Ditwah has climbed to 123 over the past few days in Sri Lanka.  

The Kandy District has recorded the highest number of casualties, at 51 deaths, while 67 individuals are still missing. 

Around 300 Indians, including nearly 150 people travelling from Dubai to India via Sri Lanka, have been stranded at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport for the last three days after Cyclone Ditwah hit the eastern part of the Island

The Indian government has rushed rescue teams and relief material to Sri Lanka after cyclonic storm Ditwah, which caused severe damage to the country, with at least 69 lives lost due to the atmospheric system. 

As per the NDRF,  two teams comprising 80 rescuers were sent to Sri Lanka early on Friday on the instructions of the Central government. Apart from manpower, India sent about 21 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, mattresses, dignity kits and other essential items. 

The Indian government, along with expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and damages due to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, has also decided to extend help to ease to recovery of the country. India has announced operation 'Sagar-Bandhu' to send rescue teams and relief material to the neighbouring country. 

Keeping the safety of passengers in view, the Chennai airport authorities have announced the cancellation of 54 flights at Chennai airport. The cancelled flights included both arrival and departure. 

The Chief Minister, MK Stalin, met with the officials on Thursday to review special initiatives undertaken for disaster management. On the other hand, the weather department has urged the fishermen not to wander around coastal regions and to maintain a distance from the water bodies. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that several districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to witness heavy rainfall in the upcoming days due to Cyclone Ditwah.

As part of this, the schools and other educational institutions will also remain closed on November 29.

According to the roster, listing the names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean, the name ‘Ditwah’ is submitted by Yemen.