Cyclone Ditwah Moves On From Sri Lanka, Heads Toward India With Intensifying Force

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has torn through Sri Lanka with devastating force, leaving behind a trail of destruction before drifting back over the Bay of Bengal and turning its attention toward India’s southern coast.

Sri Lanka is facing one of its most severe natural disasters in years. Relentless rainfall linked to the storm triggered massive floods and deadly landslides across the central highlands and eastern coastline, overwhelming communities already struggling with the deluge.

A Nation Reeling
The death toll has climbed past 130, with many still missing as rescue teams battle washed-out roads and unstable terrain. More than 200,000 people from over 61,000 families have been affected, with thousands taking refuge in makeshift relief camps after their homes were swept away or severely damaged. The tea-growing districts of Badulla and Kandy suffered the heaviest losses, where powerful slope failures buried entire neighbourhoods.

Crucial roads, bridges and power lines across Matale, Polonnaruwa and nearby provinces have collapsed or been submerged, cutting off access to several villages and slowing relief operations.

India Extends a Lifeline
Responding swiftly under its Neighbourhood First policy, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy diverted INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri—both in Colombo for an International Fleet Review—to deliver the first wave of assistance, including 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh food.

The Indian Air Force followed with a C-130J carrying around 12 tonnes of tents, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat meals. Two NDRF teams, with 80 rescuers and four trained search dogs, were also deployed to assist in recovery efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and reaffirmed India’s commitment to aid Sri Lanka.

Storm Regroups Over Sea
After crossing Sri Lanka, Ditwah has strengthened again over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says the storm is expected to move toward the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh coasts by early Sunday.

Winds are likely to intensify to 70–90 kmph, with gusts reaching 100 kmph as the system nears land.

India on High Alert
Preparations are underway across coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Districts including Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Chengalpattu are under a Red Alert for extremely heavy rain exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. Chennai and surrounding regions are on Orange Alert, with officials warning of potential urban flooding and traffic disruption.

Fourteen NDRF teams have been stationed across high-risk zones, while additional units remain on standby. Fishermen have been asked to avoid the sea, and residents in low-lying coastal pockets are being shifted to safer shelters as the storm edges closer.