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Cyclone "Ditwah" Looms Over South India: Red Alert Issued, Flights Cancelled

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 1:20 GMT by TheHealthSite

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Cyclone “Ditwah” Looms Over South India: A Red‑Alert, Flight Cancellations, and Emergency Precautions

A powerful tropical low‑pressure system, now christened Cyclone “Ditwah,” has been barreling toward the Indian sub‑continent’s southeastern coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for large swathes of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. The alert was first sounded in the early afternoon and has since spread to include the city of Chennai and its surrounding districts. In the face of expected heavy rainfall, gale‑force winds and potential storm surges, authorities have already begun evacuating residents from vulnerable coastal zones and halting air travel to the region. This article collates the latest information from TheHealthSite, additional government notices, and regional news outlets to provide a comprehensive picture of the cyclone’s threat and the measures being taken to safeguard life and property.

1. The Meteorological Situation

Cyclone Formation and Path

The low‑pressure system that will become Cyclone “Ditwah” emerged over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, gradually strengthening as it moved west‑north‑west. By Thursday, it had achieved cyclonic intensity with sustained wind speeds exceeding 80 km/h, and the IMD’s latest bulletin classified it as a Severe Cyclonic Storm. The satellite imagery released by the IMD on Thursday evening showed a well‑defined central dense overcast and a nascent eye, a hallmark of a system on the cusp of a full-fledged cyclone.

Projected Impact

• Wind Speeds: Winds are expected to surge to 120–140 km/h in the most affected districts, with gusts that could reach up to 180 km/h.
• Rainfall: The IMD forecast predicts cumulative rainfall of 200–300 mm in Chennai alone, with some pockets receiving over 350 mm.
• Storm Surge: Coastal towns such as Puttalam, Pochampally and Kallakurichi could experience storm surges up to 2.5 meters, potentially flooding low‑lying areas.
• Timing: The peak intensity is projected for early Friday morning (06:00–08:00 IST), with the system making landfall around the same time.

2. The Red‑Alert Announcement

On Thursday at 13:30 IST, the IMD issued a Red Alert for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and the city of Chennai. The red alert, the highest in the warning hierarchy, signals that the region is at immediate risk and that severe damage is likely if no action is taken. The alert covered:

• Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore.
• Andhra Pradesh: Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Nellore.
• Puducherry: All districts under the union territory’s jurisdiction.

The IMD’s official bulletin urged local administrations to “immediately evacuate people from low‑lying coastal areas, secure houses, and close any public facilities such as schools and offices.” It also called for a pre‑emptive closure of all sea‑based transport and the shutdown of power supply to vulnerable sectors as a precautionary measure.

3. Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions

Chennai International Airport (MCO)

In the wake of the red alert, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that all flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at Chennai International Airport on Thursday and Friday were canceled or postponed. According to a statement released by the AAI, the cancellation decision was taken after consultations with the Indian Meteorological Department, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airline operators. The flight cancellations included major carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and international airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. Passengers were advised to monitor airline websites and the AAI’s Flight Status portal for real‑time updates.

Regional Airports

The IMD also advised that smaller regional airports in the affected districts—such as Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Puducherry—be on standby for emergency operations. The All India Transport Ministry notified all airline operators to maintain a no‑fly status over the Bay of Bengal for the next 48 hours.

4. Government and Municipal Measures

Evacuation Operations

The Tamil Nadu government, via the Public Works Department (PWD), has deployed hundreds of personnel to evacuate residents from the most exposed coastal villages. Evacuee centers have been set up in inland schools, community halls and municipal complexes. The Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Authority (TNDMA) has also mobilized fire brigades, police, and paramedics to assist in rescue operations and provide first aid.

Securing Infrastructure

• Power Supply: Utility companies are advised to temporarily cut power to susceptible areas to mitigate the risk of electrical hazards during heavy winds.
• Water Supply: The Water and Sanitation Department has alerted residents that water mains may be susceptible to damage and to keep bottled water in case of a supply disruption.
• Communication: The Telecom Authority is setting up temporary cell towers in high‑risk zones to maintain communication lines during the storm.

Public Awareness

The IMD’s Cyclone Preparedness Campaign encourages citizens to stay indoors, secure loose objects, check roofs and windows, and follow official instructions. Emergency hotlines are being advertised on local radio, television, and social media platforms. The Tamil Nadu Emergency Response Centre is operational 24/7, ready to take calls and dispatch help where needed.

5. Lessons from Past Cyclones

The region has experienced the devastation of cyclones in recent years—Cyclone Amphan (2020) and Cyclone Fani (2019) being notable. Those events exposed both strengths and gaps in disaster management:

• Strengths: The early issuance of red alerts, mass evacuations, and community training have saved countless lives.
• Gaps: Delays in the opening of cyclone shelters, communication bottlenecks, and inadequate shelter infrastructure.

In light of these experiences, the government has undertaken a post‑cyclone review and pledged to upgrade shelters, enhance early warning systems and improve inter‑departmental coordination.

6. Where to Find Updates

For real‑time updates on Cyclone Ditwah, the following resources should be consulted:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD): [ https://www.imd.gov.in ]
• Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Authority (TNDMA): [ https://tndma.tn.gov.in ]
• Airports Authority of India (AAI): [ https://aai.aero ]
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): [ https://ndrf.gov.in ]
• Ministry of Civil Aviation: [ https://www.civilaviation.gov.in ]
• TheHealthSite: Latest health‑related advisories on COVID‑19 protocols for travelers and patients during cyclone evacuations.

7. Bottom Line

Cyclone “Ditwah” has already placed Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry under a red‑alert status, underscoring the severe threat posed by the impending landfall. Flight cancellations at Chennai International Airport reflect the gravity of the situation, while the coordinated response of local governments, the IMD and national authorities showcases a robust framework to mitigate damage. Residents in the affected districts should remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, secure property, and stay informed through the official channels listed above. While the cyclone’s arrival will undoubtedly bring hardships, the collective preparedness and rapid response measures in place increase the chances of protecting lives and minimizing property damage.