Cyclone Ditwah: Death Toll Climbs To 123 In Sri Lanka As Tamil Nadu, Puducherry On High Alert

Cyclone Ditwah has unleashed devastation across Sri Lanka, where the death toll has climbed to 123, according to early assessments today.

The storm struck the island’s eastern coast on Friday morning, triggering severe flooding, widespread damage, and chaotic rescue operations. Even as the system moves away, Sri Lankan officials warn that heavy rains and strong winds will persist for some time, reported PTI.

India is extending urgent support through Operation Sagar Bandhu. Early Saturday, 80 NDRF personnel, along with four trained search dogs, flew out from Hindon Airbase near Delhi on an IAF IL-76 aircraft.

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The teams are carrying inflatable boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, communication systems, and first-aid kits as they head to Colombo to assist with relief and rescue.

In one of the most dramatic rescue efforts, the Sri Lankan Navy saved 68 passengers who had been stranded on the roof of a bus for nearly 29 hours in Kalaoya, Northwestern Province.

The bus had been swept into rising waters and remained stuck on a bridge until naval teams managed to reach it.

Meanwhile, back home, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Ditwah is moving toward the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall on November 30.

Tamil Nadu has issued a red alert for four districts and an orange alert for five others as the system continues on a north–northwest track. The IMD has stated that the storm remains classified as a cyclonic storm with no immediate signs of further intensification.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Sri Lanka and wished a swift recovery for all affected communities.

My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families.

In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2025