India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu in response to Cyclone Ditwah, mobilising naval assets to support affected regions. As part of the operation, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri have delivered relief supplies in Colombo, marking the beginning of coordinated humanitarian assistance efforts in the region.
Key points
- Cyclone Ditwah continues to move toward the Tamil Nadu coast at a speed of 7–10 kmph. According to the weather department, the storm is currently positioned 320 km southeast of Karaikal and 530 km south of Chennai. It is expected to travel north-northwest across Sri Lanka and reach the North Tamil Nadu–South Andhra Pradesh coastline by early morning on 30th November.
- Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Mayiladuthurai, and several delta districts today, with other coastal areas likely to experience heavy to moderate showers.
- Weather experts note similarities with a 2006 cyclone that skirted the Tamil Nadu coast. Due to strong winds, train services to Rameswaram have been suspended temporarily, and fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, where gusts may reach 85 kmph.
