Cyclone Ditwah continues to be a significant weather concern, impacting both Sri Lanka and coastal regions of India. In Sri Lanka, the cyclone’s aftermath has resulted in a devastating death toll of 153 and left 191 individuals missing. Heavy rains, floods, and landslides have severely disrupted daily life. India has responded with ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ deploying NDRF teams to provide critical assistance and support rescue operations in the affected island nation, working closely with local counterparts.
The IMD has placed the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts on high alert, issuing a red message. The cyclone is currently situated approximately 70 km offshore and is expected to maintain a northward path parallel to the coastline. Coastal areas, particularly in Puducherry, are experiencing strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Despite these warnings, the IMD has indicated that Cyclone Ditwah is not projected to make landfall in Tamil Nadu and is anticipated to weaken into a deep depression by Sunday evening. In preparation for potential communication disruptions, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has established a dedicated 24/7 control room to oversee telecom network stability and facilitate prompt interventions.