As Cyclone Ditwah unleashes its fury, Sri Lanka grapples with severe consequences, including 153 confirmed deaths and 191 individuals still unaccounted for. The island nation faces widespread devastation from relentless rains, rising floodwaters, and landslides. In a show of solidarity, India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to deliver crucial aid and support rescue missions.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the collaborative efforts of NDRF teams working alongside Sri Lankan officials. The IMD has issued an urgent alert for the northern coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as parts of south Andhra Pradesh, due to the cyclone’s proximity. Ditwah is currently situated approximately 70 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast and is tracking northward, staying parallel to the coastline.
Authorities in Puducherry have reported strong winds and tumultuous sea conditions. Despite its current intensity, the cyclone is anticipated to downgrade to a deep depression by Sunday evening. The IMD has also clarified that landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast is not expected. To bolster communication infrastructure, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has activated a round-the-clock control room to manage telecom services and facilitate rapid responses.