Cyclone Ditwah: Flights, trains cancelled as storm approaches Indian coasts; IMD issues red alert in these areas

By Admin

29 Nov, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah has intensified rapidly over the Bay of Bengal, prompting widespread alerts, major travel disruptions and heightened preparedness across multiple coastal states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts as the storm moves closer to the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Formation And Path Of Cyclone Ditwah
According to IMD, the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal strengthened into Cyclone Ditwah and is expected to make landfall on November 30 early morning. In its latest update, the IMD reported that the storm moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 7 kmph and lay centered near latitude 9.0°N and longitude 80.8°E. The system is currently positioned around 70 km northwest of Trincomalee, 170 km northwest of Batticaloa, 240 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 350 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 450 km south of Chennai.

Rainfall Forecast And Affected States
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected over coastal Tamil Nadu till November 30. IMD forecasts isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema between November 29 and December 1, with extremely heavy downpours likely over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema on November 30.
Kerala is also expected to experience intense showers, while Karnataka and Telangana will see heavy rains today and tomorrow accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Flight Disruptions And Airport Impact
Adverse weather conditions have caused several flight cancellations at Chennai International Airport for November 29. Indigo airline issued a travel advisory on X, warning passengers that flights to and from Jaffna, Pondicherry, Tuticorin and Trichy may face disruptions due to the cyclonic system. Travellers have been advised to check updated flight statuses before heading to the airport.

Impact On Rail Services
Southern Railway has also announced cancellations, partial cancellations and short-term terminations of selected services scheduled for November 28 and 29. Passengers traveling across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh routes are advised to verify train updates to avoid inconvenience.

Reservoir Alerts In Kerala
With continuous rainfall in Kerala, three reservoirs in Idukki district have been placed on red alert due to rising water levels. Thrissur and Kozhikode reservoirs are under orange alert as precautionary measures intensify.

District Alerts In Andhra Pradesh And Tamil Nadu
IMD has placed Tirupathi, Chittoor, Bapatla, Prakasam and SPSR Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh under orange alert for heavy rains.
In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts are under red alert today.
Orange alerts have been issued for Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Ranipet districts, along with Karaikal.

Preparedness And Public Advisory
Authorities in coastal regions are urging residents to remain indoors, avoid travel unless necessary and follow official advisories closely. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to high waves and strong winds. Disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas to ensure quick action if needed.

As Cyclone Ditwah approaches landfall, the coming 48 hours are crucial for coastal communities. Continuous monitoring, preparedness and timely communication will play a key role in minimizing the storm’s impact.