Cyclone Storm Ditwah: Cyclone Ditwah Unleashes Fury in Sri Lanka, Now Threatens Indian States; Flights and Schools Shut

Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc across several nations in Southeast Asia, with Sri Lanka bearing the brunt of its destructive power. The catastrophic storm has resulted in the deaths of at least 123 people in Sri Lanka, while approximately 130 individuals remain missing. This grim toll underscores the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the island nation, where thousands have been displaced and access to essential services has been severely disrupted. The devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah isn't confined to Sri Lanka alone.

Other Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, have also been severely impacted. Reports indicate over 500 deaths across these three nations due to torrential rains and widespread flooding, highlighting the extreme weather conditions gripping the region. More than 50 lakh people are estimated to have been displaced from their homes, forced onto the streets, creating a massive humanitarian challenge. As November draws to a close, the relentless fury of the weather shows. No signs of abating, leaving daily life in the affected areas in complete disarray.

Cyclone Ditwah's Path Towards India

Following its destructive passage through Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah is now rapidly advancing towards the southern states of India. According to forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to move in a north-northwest direction and reach the southwest Bay of Bengal, near the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining southern Andhra Pradesh, by November 30th. This warning has prompted a high alert across these Indian states,. With state governments mobilizing resources and preparing for any potential emergency situation.

High Alert and Preparations in Tamil Nadu

In anticipation of the cyclone's arrival and the IMD's forecast of extremely heavy rainfall. And strong winds over the next 48 hours, extensive preparations are underway in Tamil Nadu. As a precautionary measure, the state government has ordered the closure of schools in several districts to ensure the safety of students. Residents in coastal areas have been advised to move to safer locations, and disaster management teams have been put on standby to respond to any developing situation. These proactive steps aim to minimize the impact of the impending storm on human lives and infrastructure.

Chennai Airport Operations Halted

Considering the potential impact of the cyclonic storm, Chennai Airport authorities have made a significant decision to suspend operations. A total of 54 scheduled flights have been cancelled. These suspended services include ATR-type regional turboprop flights operating from Saturday morning until night, while flights to and from destinations such as Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, Salem, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaffna have been affected, encompassing both departures and arrivals. Airlines have advised passengers to avoid last-minute travel to the airport to prevent unnecessary crowding and inconvenience. Airport officials stated that the decision was made after assessing the risks posed by cyclonic winds and heavy rainfall, prioritizing the safety of passengers and staff.

India's Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka

In this hour of grave crisis, India has stepped forward to assist its neighboring country, Sri Lanka, while following the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Indian Navy is actively supporting the Sri Lanka Air Force in search and rescue operations. India is providing assistance to Sri Lanka on a war footing, which includes searching for missing persons and delivering relief materials to affected areas. This demonstrates India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its commitment to humanitarian aid. Indian naval vessels and personnel are playing a crucial role in evacuating stranded individuals from Sri Lanka's. Coastal regions and transporting them to safe havens, thereby helping to mitigate the impact of this disaster.