Chennai: As Cyclone Ditwah barrels northward over the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed large parts of Tamil Nadu — along with Puducherry — on orange alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of urban flooding.
By early Sunday, as the cyclone drew closer to the coast, heavy rains and gusty winds began lashing Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. IMD’s latest bulletin placed the storm roughly 80 km east of Karaikal (Puducherry), advancing almost northwards at 5–7 km/h. According to report, a red alert has been issued for Cuddalore and the union territory of Puducherry.
Chennai airport also cancelled around 47 flights due to the weather disturbance, reported Hindustan Times.
District-wise, the alert applies to coastal areas including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu. For the state capital’s metropolitan area, including Chennai, authorities have issued an orange alert.
#WATCH | Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu | Due to the rains over the past few days, as a result of the nearing cyclone Ditwah, rainwater has accumulated outside the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the Arulmigu Vedaranyeswara Swamy Temple. pic.twitter.com/pfsrMFSbCw
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2025
As a precaution, disaster-response teams have been mobilised and relief camps prepared in vulnerable areas. Several flights to and from Chennai have already been cancelled, and residents — especially those in low-lying or coastal zones — are being urged to stay alert, avoid venturing into rough seas, and follow official advisories.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Strong winds and rough sea conditions witnessed in the capital city as the effect of #CycloneDitwah intensifies. Visuals from Marina Beach.
As per IMD, the cyclone is to make landfall today pic.twitter.com/fvOd1By8g1
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2025
With landfall expected soon, the situation remains critical. Authorities have stressed that depending on the cyclone’s final trajectory, rainfall may intensify further, raising the possibility of flooding, waterlogging and infrastructural disruption.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Strong winds and rough sea conditions witnessed in the capital city as Cyclone Ditwah moves closer. Visuals from Marina Beach. pic.twitter.com/PC7mkodGjV
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2025
