Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, severely disrupting the flight operations for the past few days. Heavy winds and rain have killed 123 people in Sri Lanka, and rapid damage to infrastructure. Due to dangerous weather conditions, Indigo said flights to and From Colombo, Jaffna, Pondicherry, Tuticorin, Trichy, Chennai and Madurai may experience disruptions. However, in Colombo, the flights have not been able to operate, stranding several passengers including 300 Indians.
These travellers have been stuck at Colombo‘s Bandaranaike International Airport for the last three days after Cyclone Ditwah forced the cancellation of multiple flights to Chennai. With no proper availability of food, water and basic necessities due to the cyclone, people are troubled as to when the situation will get better.
Stalin asks officials to connect with Indian Embassy
The 300 passengers include 150 Tamilians travelling from Dubai via Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed the Public Department Secretary to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Colombo. Officials have held discussions with Indian High Commission authorities to ensure the safe return of Tamilians stuck at Colombo airport.
Meanwhile, India has extended humanitarian support to Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of relief material landed in Colombo in addition to earlier consignments delivered by Indian Naval Ship Vikrant and Indian Naval Ship Udaygiri, which included 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential supplies for storm-affected families.
Reaffirming the country’s commitment to assisting its neighbour, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said that Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to deliver urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). “In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy,” the mission stated.
Where is Cyclone Ditwah?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Cyclone Ditwah is currently positioned near Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal. It is expected to slightly intensify and move towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by early November 30.
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible urban flooding across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
#WATCH | Nagore, Tamil Nadu | High tides, strong winds and rainfall hit the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu as cyclone Ditwah moves closer. pic.twitter.com/xRHD6FppWD— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
High tides, strong winds and rainfall have hit the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu as cyclone Ditwah moves closer.