Cyclone Ditwah: Schools and colleges closed in Tamil Nadu amid heavy rains, IMD issues alert in many areas

The administration is on high alert in view of Cyclone Ditwah. Following the forecast of heavy rainfall, schools and colleges have been closed in three Tamil Nadu districts: Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram. Officials said this decision was taken amid the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding.

People have been urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow further advisories issued by the state government and disaster management agencies. Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran said three people have died in the state so far.

Wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka

After wreaking havoc in Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah is moving towards India. So far, 334 people have been confirmed dead in Sri Lanka. Parts of Colombo are still experiencing flooding. India has sent 53 tons of relief material to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, conducted a massive rescue operation, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, children, and critically injured people.

On November 28, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide immediate search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka in the wake of the cyclone. Those rescued included citizens of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.