Tamil Nadu, Nov 29 : Tamil Nadu and Puducherry witnessed a day of intense rain, strong winds and widespread disruption on Saturday as Cyclone Ditwah continued to churn over the southwest Bay of Bengal. With the system edging closer to the coastline, administrations across the region moved into precaution mode shutting educational institutions, cancelling flights and preparing for potential flooding in vulnerable areas.
The storm’s impact is also being felt beyond India. Sri Lanka, which has reported casualties and major damage, is receiving emergency supplies from New Delhi as part of an expanding humanitarian response.
Schools, Colleges Shut; Exams Postponed
Cyclone Ditwah updates
Educational institutions in Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Perambalur, Tiruvarur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Pudukottai, Puducherry and Karaikal were closed for the day.
In Villupuram, Thanjavur and Tiruchi, schools remained shut while colleges continued operating unless conditions worsened.
Pondicherry University postponed all Saturday exams following a Coast Guard alert. Revised schedules will be announced later.
Intense Rain Forecast for Coastal & Delta Districts
The Regional Meteorological Centre warned of strong rain bands expected to affect Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvannamalai.
Delta districts Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Pudukottai are likely to face the heaviest downpours.
Alerts remain in place for parts of central Tamil Nadu, including Ariyalur, Salem, Perambalur, Tiruchi and Kallakurichi. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and avoid flooded stretches.
Flights Cancelled at Chennai Airport
At least 54 flights were cancelled at Chennai Airport, most of them ATR turboprop services vulnerable to strong winds.
Routes to Madurai, Salem, Bengaluru, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, Hyderabad and Jaffna were among those affected.
Officials have warned of further cancellations depending on the cyclone’s movement. Passengers have been advised to check airline updates before travelling.
India Sends Emergency Relief to Sri Lanka
A C-130J aircraft carrying around 12 tonnes of tents, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, blankets and ready-to-eat food reached Colombo under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Earlier, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri had delivered dry and fresh rations to affected Sri Lankan families.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India would continue to support Sri Lanka, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured further assistance if required.
Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore
Coastal authorities have repeatedly urged fishermen to avoid the sea, warning of rough waves and hazardous wind speeds. Ports and harbours remain under strict monitoring.
Emergency Teams on High Alert
TN disaster response teams, fire services and local bodies have been stationed across vulnerable districts.
Low lying areas in Chennai and delta regions have been asked to take precautions against possible flooding.
District control rooms are tracking rain patterns and coordinating with state authorities in real time.