Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, killing at least 46 people and leaving 23 missing,
As landslides and torrential rainfall devastated central and eastern regions.
Rescue teams continue to search for the missing as floodwaters rise and roads remain blocked.
Around 44,000 people have already been evacuated to public shelters.
The cyclone which formed on November 26 over the southwest Bay of Bengal
rapidly intensified before making landfall over Sri Lanka’s coast early Friday morning.
Its heavy clouds and rain bands are now drifting north-northwest toward India’s coastal regions.
On alert are parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh,
where the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange-level warnings.
The agency forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall through November 30,
with some districts potentially facing “extremely heavy” downpours.
The coast-line zones, fishermen and maritime activities have also been advised to avoid sea travel.
Disaster response teams including eight units of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
have deployed across key coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to coordinate precautionary evacuations and readiness efforts.
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Meanwhile, major disruptions continue in Sri Lanka: schools remain closed, public transport and rail services have been suspended,
And several roads remain flooded or blocked by landslide debris.
As Cyclone Ditwah approaches the Indian coast, officials warn of further instability heavy rains, flooding, gusty winds, and possible coastal inundation.
Residents in affected zones are urged to stay alert, monitor official updates, and move to safer shelters if needed.
