R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 28
Cyclone Ditwah continued its northward march on Thursday, bringing Tamil Nadu under a heightened state of preparedness as authorities braced for extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and widespread disruptions over the next 48 hours.
Light to Moderate rain with Thunderstorm and Lightning is also likely to occur isolated places over Chennai and Tiruvallur districts during next one or two hours.
— IMD-Tamilnadu Weather (@ChennaiRmc) November 28, 2025
- 54 Flights Cancelled; Govt Swings Into Action With Defence, NDRF & State Forces on High Alert
- CM Urges Public to Stay Indoors as Heavy Rains, Strong Winds Likely to Lash Coast From Tonight
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) retained its red alert for several coastal and delta districts on November 29, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely in at least two districts on Sunday as well.
CANCELLATIONS: FLIGHTS, TRAINS & BUSES HIT
#PassengerAdvisory | Kindly take note of the list of ATR flight cancellations by @IndiGo6E at Chennai International Airport on 29.11.2025 due to adverse weather conditions. Passengers are requested to check with the concerned airlines for further updates. pic.twitter.com/V2RwAh3GFf
— Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) November 28, 2025
The approaching cyclone caused large-scale disruptions in public transport:
⚠ Change in Pattern of Train Services due to Cyclone Ditwah 2025!
Southern Railway has announced cancellations, partial cancellations and short terminations for selected services on 28 and 29 November 2025.
Passengers are requested to check the updated information through the…
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 28, 2025
- 54 flights were cancelled at Chennai International Airport, affecting both domestic and international operations.
- Southern Railway announced cancellation/short termination of multiple services in the Chennai–Tiruchirappalli, Chennai–Thanjavur, and Chennai–Tirunelveli sectors due to waterlogging risk and operational constraints.
- The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and TNSTC suspended or diverted bus services on vulnerable coastal routes, including Nagapattinam, Vedaranyam, Chidambaram, and Cuddalore.
GOVT DECLARES HOLIDAY FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES
The Tamil Nadu Government declared holidays for schools and colleges across several districts, including:
Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Virudhunagar, Kallakurichi, Tiruchi, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
More districts are likely to follow depending on rainfall impact.
PATH OF THE CYCLONE
Cyclone Ditwah, moving at 7 kmph, lay centred over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately:
- 380 km south-southeast of Puducherry
- 490 km south of Chennai
It is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early Sunday.
NDRF, STATE DISASTER UNITS & DEFENCE ON HIGH ALERT
The State Government has deployed special disaster response teams in high-risk districts, especially Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Nagapattinam and Delta regions.
- NDRF has stationed teams in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram, equipped with boats, tree-cutting machines and communication devices.
- The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are monitoring the seas; fishing boats have been recalled, and sea patrols intensified.
- The Army has kept engineering and rescue columns ready in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli for rapid deployment if required.
CM’S APPEAL: “SAFETY FIRST — STAY INDOORS”
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, after reviewing preparedness with senior IAS, IPS and defence officials, appealed to the public:
“Please avoid unnecessary travel. Stay indoors when rainfall intensifies. The government, NDRF and all departments are fully prepared, but your cooperation is critical at this time.”
He also directed Collectors of 14 districts to ensure relief centres, food stocks, medical teams and power restoration units are in place.
GOVT & LOCAL BODIES STEP UP PREPAREDNESS
- Chennai Corporation has deployed over 5,000 workers for waterlogging management and issued an advisory to residents in low-lying areas.
- Tangedco teams and emergency repair squads have been stationed for rapid power restoration.
- Over 440 shelters have been prepared across coastal districts.
- Pumping stations, stormwater drains, culverts and canals are being monitored round-the-clock.
RMC WARNING
RMC has warned of intense rainfall in:
Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Madurai, and Virudhunagar.
Residents have been urged to avoid waterlogged areas, unstable structures, and sea coasts during the storm phase.
AFTER BATTERING SRI LANKA, TN NEXT IN PATH
Following unprecedented rainfall in Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah is now set to bring heavy to very heavy rain in Tamil Nadu — notably the Cauvery Delta and northern coastal zones from Saturday evening.
PUBLIC ADVISED TO STAY UPDATED
Officials have requested citizens to track only government sources, including
- RMC bulletins
- TN Disaster Management Authority
- District Collectorate advisories as the situation may evolve rapidly.
