Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has unleashed unprecedented devastation across Sri Lanka before re-emerging over the Bay of Bengal and setting its trajectory towards India’s southern coast.
Sri Lanka is now confronting one of its worst weather calamities in recent memory. Days of intense rainfall, fuelled by the storm’s formation, triggered massive flooding and deadly landslides across the central highlands and eastern coastal districts.
Isolated, Flooded, Uprooted
The disaster has claimed more than 130 lives, with dozens still unaccounted for as rescue teams struggle through washed-out terrain. Over 200,000 people from nearly 61,000 families have been affected, many forced into emergency shelters after their homes were destroyed or severely damaged. The hardest-hit areas include the tea-growing districts of Badulla and Kandy, where major slope failures swept away entire settlements.
Key infrastructure has also taken a severe hit. Washed-away bridges and damaged highways in regions like Matale and Polonnaruwa have cut off several communities, delaying relief operations and worsening the humanitarian crisis.
India Steps In
Demonstrating its Neighbourhood First policy, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver crucial humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy immediately diverted aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the frigate INS Udaigiri—both docked in Colombo for an International Fleet Review—to relief duty. The ships delivered the first tranche of aid, including 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh produce.
The humanitarian response expanded with the Indian Air Force’s C-130J airlifting 12 tonnes of relief materials—tents, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat meals—to Colombo. India also deployed two specialised NDRF teams with 80 rescuers and four search dogs to support on-ground operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and reaffirmed India’s support for Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis.
Storm Re-Strengthens, Eyes India Next
After crossing Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah has reorganised over the Bay of Bengal and is now moving north-northwest. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to reach the southwest Bay, near the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts, by early Sunday.
Currently classified as a cyclonic storm, Ditwah may intensify slightly as it approaches land, with forecast wind speeds of 70–90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
India Braces for Impact
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have activated full preparedness protocols. Several districts—especially in the delta and northern coast, including Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Chengalpattu—are under a Red Alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours. Chennai and adjoining regions are on Orange Alert, anticipating very heavy rain and potential urban flooding.
More than 14 NDRF teams have been pre-positioned across vulnerable districts, with additional units on standby. Fishermen have been advised to remain ashore, while local authorities are evacuating low-lying coastal communities to relief camps ahead of the storm’s approach.
With Sri Lanka still counting its losses and India preparing for the storm’s impact, Cyclone Ditwah continues to carve a dangerous path across the region.
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