Cyclone Ditwah nears Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts
Cyclone Ditwah is approaching the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts and is expected to make landfall on the morning of November 30, 2025. The cyclone is moving north-northwest across the southwest Bay of Bengal, having passed along the Sri Lankan coast and is currently positioned several hundred kilometers south of Puducherry and Chennai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts in vulnerable coastal districts and warned of strong winds, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, and rough sea conditions over the next few days.
The cyclone has intensified from a deep depression to a cyclonic storm and is forecast to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds of 80–90 kmph, with peak gusts reaching up to 100 kmph. Areas likely to be affected with very heavy rain include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet. Coastal flooding and major damage to kutcha structures in coastal areas are possible. Fishermen in the region have been advised to suspend operations until December 1 due to dangerous sea conditions.
Preparations are underway across southern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts as the system may cause widespread flooding in vulnerable pockets due to moisture convergence from its large wind field and slow movement. The situation is being closely monitored by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, with alerts and warnings continuously updated to ensure public safety.
