Red Alert Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Ditwah Imminent

November 29, 2025: Coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for impact as Cyclonic Storm Ditwah continues its steady movement towards the coast. The powerful weather system, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to make its approach near the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts in the early hours of Sunday, November 30.

The impending storm has triggered immediate and widespread precautionary measures across the state, most notably the closure of all schools and educational institutions, and significant disruption to travel schedules.

Cyclone’s Current Status and Forecast

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Ditwah has been tracking north-northwestwards after crossing the coast of Sri Lanka, where it has already caused considerable damage. While the system is not currently predicted to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, it still poses a serious threat due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

During the expected landfall, gale winds are forecast to reach speeds between 60 to 80 kilometres per hour (kmph), with gusts potentially climbing up to 90 kmph. This has led to extremely rough sea conditions, with reports of strong winds and high waves already lashing cities like Pamban.

Red Alerts Issued for Coastal Districts

In preparation for the cyclone’s arrival, the IMD has issued a Red Alert for several key coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. These areas, including Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villuppuram, and Chengalpattu, are warned to prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated spells of extremely heavy rain expected throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Chennai, along with districts like Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, has been placed under an Orange Alert, signifying a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy showers and potential waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Schools Shut, Exams Disrupted

To ensure the safety of students and staff, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a comprehensive holiday for all schools and educational institutions across the entire state. Similar measures have been implemented in Puducherry and Karaikal, with schools and colleges ordered to remain closed until the weather conditions stabilize.

While specific official announcements regarding the postponement of all board or internal examinations are awaited, the blanket closure of educational institutions means that any scheduled academic activities, including exams, stand postponed or cancelled until further notice. Parents are advised to keep children safe indoors and away from open spaces.

Disruption to Travel and Transport

The movement of the cyclonic storm has severely affected the transport network. Southern Railway has announced the cancellation, partial cancellation, or short-termination of various train services scheduled for November 29 and 30. Air travel has also been hit, with authorities at Chennai International Airport preemptively cancelling flights to and from affected regions like Jaffna, Puducherry, and Tuticorin to minimize risks.

Government Preparedness and Safety Call

State authorities, under the supervision of Chief Minister MK Stalin, are actively monitoring the situation. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to vulnerable regions like Puducherry to assist local disaster management officials.

The public, especially those living in low-lying or coastal regions, has been strongly urged to follow safety guidelines:

1. Fishermen are strictly prohibited from venturing into the Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts until December 1.
2. Residents should avoid standing under large trees, lamp posts, or near old, weak buildings.
3. Emergency control room numbers (1077, 1070, or 112) remain active for urgent assistance.

As Cyclone Ditwah nears, residents are advised to secure their homes, keep emergency supplies ready, and rely only on official weather bulletins from the IMD and state government for guidance. The critical hours leading up to Sunday morning require maximum vigilance from everyone in the region.