Cyclone 'Ditwa' is gathering strength rapidly in the Bay of Bengal as it moves towards the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. The Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for these regions. This weather system is projected to move north-northwest and is expected to reach the southwestern Bay of Bengal, near the coastal regions of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh, by the morning of November 30, 2025.
As of 5:30 PM on November 28, Cyclone Ditwa was situated approximately 490 kilometers south of Chennai and 380 kilometers south-southeast of Puducherry. According to the Meteorological Department, the system could intensify further as it approaches the Indian coast. IMD has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with some areas potentially experiencing extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm. Meanwhile, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema could record very heavy rainfall on November 30.
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Winds are expected to gust at speeds of 70–80 km/h, possibly reaching up to 90 km/h along the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts from the morning of November 29. These conditions are likely to persist through the morning of November 30. The cyclone could trigger sea waves measuring 0.2 to 0.5 meters off the coast, posing a risk of submerging low-lying areas in districts like Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur. Local authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and relocate to safe areas if necessary.
The IMD warns that Cyclone Ditwa may damage temporary structures, electrical and communication lines, as well as crops like bananas, papayas, and rice fields. Rapid relief and rescue operations are underway in the coastal districts. All fishing activities off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh have been completely halted until December 1. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture out to sea. Disaster management teams are on alert.
