The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical red alert for the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone’s center is currently about 70 kilometers from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry shoreline and is predicted to move northwards, staying very close to the coast over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with Cyclone Ditwah claiming 153 lives and leaving 191 people missing amidst widespread flooding and landslides. India’s swift response includes ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ a mission to provide essential aid and assist in rescue operations. NDRF personnel are actively engaged in relief efforts in close coordination with local Sri Lankan authorities.
Residents in Puducherry are experiencing strong winds and rough seas. Although the cyclone is expected to weaken into a deep depression by Sunday evening, the IMD has emphasized that it is unlikely to make landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented proactive measures by setting up a 24/7 control room to ensure the continuity and rapid restoration of telecom services.