Sat Nov 29 08:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Cyclone Ditwah Batters Sri Lanka and Threatens Tamil Nadu, India Responds with Aid

Colombo/Chennai – November 29, 2025 – Cyclone Ditwah has brought devastation to Sri Lanka and now threatens the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in India. As of Saturday, the death toll in Sri Lanka has risen to 123, with 130 still missing, prompting a plea for international assistance. The Sri Lankan President has declared a state of emergency. Nearly 15,000 homes have been destroyed, and approximately 44,000 people have sought shelter in temporary state-run facilities.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to intensify slightly as it moves towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by early November 30th, bringing heavy rains to the southern and Cauvery delta districts. A red alert has been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry.

India has responded swiftly, launching “Operation Sagar Bandhu” to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. The Indian Air Force has deployed aircraft carrying relief material and personnel, including NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams equipped with specialized search and rescue equipment. The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is also assisting in the relief effort. The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka has established an Emergency Help Desk to assist stranded Indian passengers, including nearly 150 Tamilians stranded at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport due to flight cancellations.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has initiated real-time flood monitoring in vulnerable areas and increased water discharge from major reservoirs in anticipation of heavy rainfall. Schools and colleges have been closed in several districts of Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema regions are also likely to witness widespread rain.

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