Live now

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Sri Lanka in call with President Dissanayake, India evacuates last batch of stranded citizens from Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE | An IAF IFC 1875 helicopter safely rescued 57 stranded people, including 10 children, from Irunguwatta to Matale on Monday. The aircraft also transported 2.5 tons of rations to Kegalle, strengthening ongoing humanitarian operations in the region.

A man walks along the shore amid rough sea conditions due to Cyclone Ditwah, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (PTI Photo)A man walks along the shore amid rough sea conditions due to Cyclone Ditwah, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (PTI Photo)

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE News Updates: Cyclone Ditwah weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and continued to move northwards with a speed of 10 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. “The Deep Depression (Remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah) over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts moved northwards with the speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 1800 UTC of the 30th November 2025 over the same region, near latitude 12.3°N and longitude 80.6°E, about 90 km south-southeast of Chennai (42379), 90 km eastsoutheast of Puducherry (43331), 110 km east-northeast of Cuddalore (43329), 180 km northnortheast of Karaikal (43346),” the IMD said.

Cyclone Ditwah LIVE location tracker: How to check live location, path, status, speed and landfall alerts in real-time

Story continues below this ad

Op Sagar Bandhu: In a major relief effort under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Air Force continued lifesaving missions in flood-hit Sri Lanka, evacuating stranded civilians and delivering essential supplies. The last group of Indian citizens stranded in Sri Lanka were evacuated as New Delhi intensified its assistance to Colombo’s rescue operations for Cyclone Ditwah disaster victims, said the officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to convey condolences over the widespread loss of lives and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Flight services hit: Two IndiGo flights between Chennai International Airport and Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka were cancelled early Sunday, in view of the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has left at least 153 people in the neighbouring country dead, Reuters reported. The cyclone moved northwards overnight and now lies centred over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

Live Updates
Dec 1, 2025 10:34 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: PM Modi speaks to Lankan president, assures continued support in post-cyclone rehab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and assured him of continued support in the rehabilitation efforts across all regions impacted by Cyclone Ditwah.

In a telephone conversation, Modi expressed condolences for the loss of lives and devastation in Sri Lanka, and said the people of India stood in firm solidarity and support with the people of the island nation in this hour of need.

President Dissanayake conveyed his deep gratitude for India's assistance in the wake of the disaster, and appreciated the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material, an official statement said here.

(PTI)

Dec 1, 2025 08:44 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: India delivers 53 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka, over 2000 stranded Indians brought back

Bolstering its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has delivered 53 tonnes of relief material to it via air and sea since November 28, while more than 2,000 stranded Indians have been brought back from the cyclone-hit island nation, the government said on Monday.

"NDRF teams continue to carry out search and rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety.

Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

(PTI)

Dec 1, 2025 07:44 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Sri Lanka to set up special fund to recover from devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's office on Monday announced setting up a special fund with public and private sector participation to help recover from the devastation caused by catastrophic floods and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah.

The announcement came as the death toll due to floods and landslides rose to 366 with 367 missing by 6 pm on Monday, the Disaster Management Centre said.

Kandy district reported the maximum 88 deaths followed by 75 in Nuwara Eliya and 71 in Badulla.

(PTI)

Dec 1, 2025 06:26 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: NDRF rescues 38 more people in flood-hit Puttalam

A specialised NDRF team carried out rescue operation under Op SagarBandhu in Thummadora village near Puttalam.
They evacuated 38 stranded residents, including pregnant women, children, infants and pets from inaccessible areas.
Rescuers continue door-to-door checks and life-saving evacuations to ensure no one is left behind.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Dec 1, 2025 06:18 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: China donates USD one million aid to Sri Lanka for flood relief

China has provided USD one million as emergency assistance to Sri Lanka as the island nation continues to battle severe floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka in a social media post said the Red Cross Society of China has provided USD 100,000 in emergency cash aid to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Emergency assistance from the Chinese government is underway, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.

Also the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Chinese Association in Sri Lanka have launched donation initiatives, collectively raising 10 million Sri Lankan rupees (about USD 32,500) for affected areas, the report said.

(PTI)

Dec 1, 2025 06:08 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Remnants of cyclone Ditwah near TN-Pondy coasts cause spells of rain

Several parts in Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet continued to receive moderate downpour on Monday due to the remnants of the cyclonic storm Ditwah that remained close to Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

The system, which weakened into a deep depression, will further weaken and the remnants could cause rain, the IMD said. It is likely to remain stationary as a weakened system for the next 24 hours.

With the continuous downpour leading to the cancellation of ten flights from here, causing waterlogging in many areas, and affecting the districts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin held a meeting with the collectors and took stock of the situation arising due to the impact of the cyclone.

(PTI)

Dec 1, 2025 04:14 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Sri Lanka's opposition walks out of Parliament over floods disaster

Sri Lanka's main opposition party, the SJB, walked out of Parliament here on Monday to protest the government's refusal to extend the session to discuss the aftermath of the Cyclone Ditwah disaster that left over 300 dead.

Kabir Hashim, from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), said they wanted to place on record the lack of preparedness of the Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led government despite pre warnings of severe weather hitting the island.

The National People's Power (NPP) government said the opposition was free to express themselves till 12.30 pm, as the House was scheduled to have an early end in view of the disaster relief coordination work.

(PTI)

Dec 1, 2025 02:40 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: TN receives rain as remnants of cyclone Ditwah remain close to TN-Pondy coasts, CM assesses impact

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Several parts in Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet continued to receive moderate downpour on Monday due to the remnants of the cyclonic storm Ditwah that remained close to Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

The system, which weakened into a deep depression, will further weaken and the remnants could cause rain, the IMD said. It is likely to remain stationary as a weakened system for the next 24 hours.

With the continuous downpour leading to the cancellation of ten flights from here, causing waterlogging in many areas, and affecting the districts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin held a meeting with the collectors and took stock of the situation arising due to the impact of the cyclone.

- PTI

Dec 1, 2025 01:28 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Nepal extends USD 200,000 assistance for flood-hit Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Nepal has extended an economic aid of USD 200,000 for relief and rescue operations in flood-hit Sri Lanka, underlining that it stands firmly with the island nation in this difficult time.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with widespread flooding, landslides and infrastructure collapse triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, leaving several districts isolated and severely straining the country's disaster-response capacity.

As of Sunday, 334 people have been killed, with 370 missing, in catastrophic floods and landslides caused by extreme weather conditions since November 16.

"As a gesture of solidarity, the Government of Nepal has decided to extend an assistance of USD 2,00,000 for the relief and recovery operations," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Sunday.

Acknowledging the close bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, the ministry said Kathmandu stands firmly with Colombo in this difficult time.

"The Government of Nepal offers its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for swift and complete recovery to the injured," the release said, adding that Kathmandu remain confident in the resilience and strength of the people of Sri Lanka as they recover and rebuild from this tragedy.

- PTI

Dec 1, 2025 12:59 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: 'Cyclone Ditwah is moving northward and is getting converted into a depression,' says NDRF DIG

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: NDRF DIG for the South and South Central Zones, Dr Hari Om Gandhi said, "22 teams have been deployed in Tamil Nadu and three teams in Puducherry...The teams have been deployed in the vulnerable areas...They are in alert mode...Cyclone Ditwah is moving northward and is getting converted into a depression..."

Dec 1, 2025 12:23 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: IAF evacuates over 300 Indians stranded in Cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: The Indian Air Force has evacuated over 300 Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah and brought them to the Thiruvananthapuram airport.

IAF aircraft operated from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram reached here by 7.30 pm on Sunday, a Defence spokesman said.

According to the Defence spokesperson, IAF's IL-76 and C-130J heavy lift carriers, which were used to deliver rescue material and NDRF teams to the island nation, were used for the evacuation of stranded passengers.

IAF continues to extend critical Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to the people of Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, following the severe humanitarian impact caused by recent natural calamities in the region, a press release said.

Conducting multiple missions, IAF helicopters have airlifted a total of 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa Army Camp and Colombo to Kotmale.

Kotmale is the landslide-affected area in the central province of Sri Lanka, which is totally cut off by road.

A hybrid mission was undertaken by the IAF, wherein Garud Commandos were dropped near the stranded civilians and then guided to pre-identified landing sites, where they were picked up by the helicopter crew, the spokesperson said.

“A total of 55 civilians, which included Indians, foreign nationals and Sri Lankan survivors, were successfully evacuated to Colombo. Operating round the clock, the two Indian helicopters have flown more than 12 sorties for the rescue operations till now,” the release added.

-PTI

Dec 1, 2025 11:45 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Tourists are allowed in popular tourist spots of Kodaikanal from today

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Tourists are allowed in popular tourist spots of Kodaikanal from today after the Forest Department lifted a two-day ban imposed due to Cyclone Ditwah.

Dec 1, 2025 11:09 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Heavy rain continues in Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Heavy rain continues in Srikakulam as Cyclone Ditwah bears down, standing crops at risk, farmers on edge.

Dec 1, 2025 10:38 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Rain lashes Chennai after weakening of Cyclone Ditwah

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Rain lashes Chennai after weakening of Cyclone Ditwah, heavy downpours continue as the remnant storm brings showers across the city, and the administration remains on alert.

Dec 1, 2025 10:09 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Storm triggers heavy rain in Nellore

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah triggers heavy rain in Nellore; schools shut, administration on high alert, residents urged to stay indoors, avoid sea, and move to safe zones.

Dec 1, 2025 10:05 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Storm kills 193 in Sri Lanka, leaves 228 missing

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Heavy rains and Cyclone Ditwah kill 193, leave 228 missing, nearly one million affected by landslides and flooding.

Dec 1, 2025 10:02 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: IAF launches major rescue, evacuates 45 from landslide-hit Kotmale region in Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: The Indian Air Force carried out a major rescue operation in the landslide-affected Kotmale region and evacuated a total of 45 stranded passengers, including 6 critical casualties and 4 infants.

"Across the day’s missions, IAF helicopters evacuated a total of 45 stranded passengers, including 6 critical casualties and 4 infants, and brought them safely to Colombo.

These included 12 Indian nationals and over 30 foreign nationals from countries such as Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, the UK, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with Sri Lankan citizens," IAF said in a post.

"To reinforce ground relief efforts, the IAF also airlifted 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel into the affected area to support rescue and clearance operations," it added.

Dec 1, 2025 09:14 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah weakens into deep depression

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and continued to move northwards with a speed of 10 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

"The Deep Depression (Remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah) over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts moved northwards with the speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 1800 UTC of the 30th November 2025 over the same region, near latitude 12.3°N and longitude 80.6°E, about 90 km south-southeast of Chennai (42379), 90 km eastsoutheast of Puducherry (43331), 110 km east-northeast of Cuddalore (43329), 180 km northnortheast of Karaikal (43346)," the IMD said.

"It is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and weaken gradually further into a depression by 0600 UTC of the 01st December. The system will be centered over southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 30 km by 0000 UTC of the 01st December," it added.

Dec 1, 2025 08:33 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Last batch of stranded Indian passengers in Sri Lanka evacuated under Operation Sagar Bandhu Colombo

Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: The last group of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka were evacuated under Operation Sagar Bandhu at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo following Cyclone Ditwah, said the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka on Monday.

"Last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo have reached home. 104 stranded Indians reached Thiruvananthapuram, onboard IAF_MCC aircraft, around 6.30 am today," the High Commission said in a post on X.

#operationsagarbandhu

Last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo have reached home. 104 stranded Indians reached Thiruvananthapuram, onboard @IAF_MCC aircraft, around 6.30 am today. #homebound@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy… pic.twitter.com/fqL1JRtXzs
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) December 1, 2025
Nov 30, 2025 10:32 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Schools to remain closed on Dec 1 in Puducherry

Puducherry Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam on Sunday announced that all schools—including private and government-aided institutions—across the four regions of the union territory will remain closed on December 1.

The holiday has been declared as a precautionary measure in view of heavy rains expected under the influence of cyclone Ditwah, the minister said in a release.

Further arrangements are being monitored by the administration, he added.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 10:31 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: IAF bolsters humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, evacuates stranded Indians in two transport aircraft

The Indian Air Force on Sunday intensified its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, while bringing back more than 400 stranded Indians from Colombo in two transport aircraft.

A C-130J aircraft carrying a group of Indians landed at Hindan in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, while an IL-76 aircraft landed at Trivandrum in Kerala on Sunday, a senior official said.

Bolstering its efforts to provide humanitarian aid in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which has left a trail of destruction in the island nation, the Indian Air Force (IAF), in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, executed major rescue and evacuation missions in the landslide-hit Kotmale region, which remains completely isolated due to road disruptions.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 09:55 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: 375 pregnant women shifted to hospitals amid cyclone Ditwah Alert in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Government on Sunday said that nearly 7,900 pregnant women nearing delivery have been identified in the districts, where cyclone Ditwah is expected to bring more rainfall and 375 of them have already been shifted to hospitals as a precautionary measure.

Andhra Pradesh medical, health and family welfare Commissioner Veerapandian said that the Medical and Health Department is taking steps to move the remaining women to nearby hospitals to ensure timely medical care.

"A total of 7,871 pregnant women due for delivery soon have been identified, and 375 of them have already been shifted to hospitals as a safety measure," said Veerapandian in an official press release.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 09:45 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: India helps Sri Lanka in rescue efforts as death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah crosses 330

Indian Air Force and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel continued to assist Sri Lankan authorities in rescue and relief efforts on Sunday in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah that killed over 330 people.

According to the latest figures released by Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre(DMC) at 6 pm on Sunday, 334 people have been killed, with 370 missing in catastrophic floods and landslides caused by Ditwah and extreme weather conditions since November 16.

A whopping 11,18,929 people from 3,09,607 families were affected by the extreme weather, DMC said. The NDRF team carried out rescue operations in Kochikade, Colombo.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 09:44 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Over 320 Indian passengers stranded due to Ditwah evacuated from Sri Lanka

Over 320 Indian nationals stranded at the Colombo airport following the extreme weather conditions in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, were sent back home on IAF and commercial airline flights on Sunday.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka facilitated the evacuation of 323 stranded Indians from the Bandaranaike International Airport here in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other relevant officials.

“Two @IAF_MCC flights, an IL 76 with 247 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram and a C 130 J with 76 passengers to Delhi (Hindon), have taken off from Colombo,” the Indian High Commission said in a post on X. Further evacuation of stranded passengers through commercial airlines are also underway, it said.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 09:33 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Rebuilding Sri Lanka post cyclone will need major global support says ex-minister de Silva

Sri Lanka will require substantial external assistance for long-term reconstruction once the full scale of damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah is known, former minister of the island nation and the Chairman of its Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance, Harsha de Silva, said on Sunday.

In an interview from Colombo, de Silva acknowledged India's swift humanitarian response after the cyclone-triggered floods left a trail of destruction across the island nation.

Describing the scale of destruction inflicted by the cyclone, he said, “The situation is pretty tough. As you already know, more than 150 people have lost their lives, over 200 people are missing, and over a million people have been affected.” “We see vast destruction across almost all districts of the island, with major infrastructure damage including roads, bridges, buildings, massive landslides, and rail tracks,” the former minister said.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 08:31 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah expected to weaken into deep depression late on Sunday says Met Office

Cyclone Ditwah is expected to weaken into a deep depression and the weather system would be centred over southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 30 km from the coasts of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by midnight of Sunday, the Regional Meteorological Centre said.

In an update about the Cyclone Ditwah, the Met office said the Cyclone Ditwah is located about 90 km southeast of Cuddalore, 120 km northeast of Karaikal, 90 km southeast of Puducherry, 170 km northeast of Vedaranniyam and 150 km southeast of Chennai.

"The minimum distance of the centre of the cyclone from north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts is about 80 km. It is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and weaken into a deep depression during the next 3 hours." the bulletin issued by the Met office said on Sunday evening said.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 08:21 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Death toll hits 212 as Sri Lanka struggles with Cyclone Ditwah impact

Sri Lanka's death toll from Cyclone Ditwah climbed to 212 with 218 missing, officials said on Sunday, as flood waters breached a dam and rescue operations continued into a fourth day.

Nearly a million people are impacted by heavy rains and floods that swept through large parts of the south Asian island nation forcing nearly 200,000 people into 1,275 shelters, the Disaster Management Centre said in a statement.

Record rains lashed the country from last Thursday causing multiple landslides in the hilly central region while overflowing rivers submerged entire towns nationwide.

(Reuters)

Nov 30, 2025 07:09 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Indian Air Force executes hybrid rescue amid Cyclone Ditwah

Amid Cyclone Ditwah, Indian Air Force helicopters carried out a high-risk hybrid rescue in Sri Lanka, winching down a Garud commando into a restricted zone to guide stranded passengers through difficult terrain to a designated helipad in Kotmale.

From there, 24 people, including Indians, foreign nationals and Sri Lankans were evacuated safely to Colombo.

In a simultaneous mission, three critically injured individuals were airlifted for urgent medical treatment. Earlier, the IAF also transported 40 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa to the landslide-hit Kotmale region to bolster ongoing relief efforts.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 06:59 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Indian Air Force pull off rescue in Sri Lanka under Op Sagar Bandhu

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Air Force helicopters carried out extensive search-and-rescue missions near Sri Lanka’s Kotmale area, saving 24 stranded people, including nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the UK and South Africa.

The crews also evacuated three critically injured individuals and airlifted them to Colombo for urgent medical care. Earlier in the day, the helicopters transported Sri Lankan Army personnel to landslide-hit zones to support ground rescue efforts.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 06:55 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Indian Air Force airlifts stranded Sri Lankan family in ongoing relief mission

A Chetak helicopter deployed from INS Vikrant rescued a family of four stranded on a rooftop on 29 November 2025, after severe flooding hit parts of Sri Lanka.

The crew safely airlifted the family and relocated them to a secure area.

The operation was carried out under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the ongoing humanitarian mission in support of Sri Lanka.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 06:44 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: 400 Indian passengers stranded due to Ditwah evacuated from Sri Lanka

At least 400 Indian nationals stranded at the Colombo airport following the extreme weather conditions in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, were sent back home on Sunday.

Around 150 of them were sent back to Delhi aboard flight C130 while 250 of them were sent to Trivandrum on flight IL 76 from the Bandaranaike International Airport here, Sri Lankan officials said.

Both the aircraft had arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday carrying food and humanitarian aid for flash floods victims.

As Sri Lanka battled the aftermath of the powerful cyclone Ditwah, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr Satyanjal Pandey, met stranded compatriots at the Colombo airport on Saturday.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 06:40 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah to intensify rainfall across Andhra tells IMD Amaravati

The IMD on Sunday said cyclone Ditwah, positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify rainfall across several districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The system moved almost northwards during the past six hours and remained centred at latitude 11.4 degrees north and longitude 80.6 degrees east, close to the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

"Cyclone Ditwah, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to significantly enhance rainfall activity across multiple districts of Andhra Pradesh," the India Meteorological Department said in a release.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 05:09 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu ready to support cyclone affected Sri Lanka

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday said the Tamil Nadu government is ready to lend a helping hand to cyclone-wrecked Sri Lanka, by providing food and medicine, through the Union government.

Stalin said he has directed Chief Secretary N Muruganandam to form a committee of officials to work in coordination with the Central government in this regard.

Meanwhile, the CM said that steps were taken by the state's Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils to safely bring back home passengers from Tamil Nadu stranded in Sri Lanka, and in the first phase, as many as 177 people, including 4 children and 60 women, were brought back to the state on Sunday morning.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 05:02 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah continues to bring more rains to Tamil Nadu

Sharp showers triggered by Cyclone Ditwah continue to lash several parts of Tamil Nadu, while three persons have been killed in rain-related deaths, the state government said on Sunday.

The cyclone is expected to move parallel to the coastline of northern parts of the state and neighbouring Puducherry in the next 24 hours, the weather office said today.

With heavy rainfall pounding Cauvery delta districts in the state, Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam districts bore the brunt. Normal life continued to be affected in the coastal towns of Rameswaram and Nagapattinam as heavy rainfall inundated several low-lying areas.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 04:58 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: India helps Sri Lanka in rescue efforts as death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah crosses 200

Sri Lanka continued relief and rescue efforts on Sunday with India's assistance in the aftermath of catastrophic floods, landslides and devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah that killed over 200 people.

According to the latest figures released by Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre(DMC) at 4 pm on Sunday, 212 people have been killed, with 218 missing since Thursday.

A whopping 9,98,918 people from 2,73,606 families were affected by the extreme weather, DMC said. Meanwhile, India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, along with the Indian Air Force(IAF), continue to assist Sri Lankan authorities to save precious lives on a war footing.

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 03:54 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: IAF C-130J lands in Colombo as India amps up rescue and relief operation

The Indian Air Force's C-130J military transport aircraft landed in Colombo at 10 AM carrying relief supplies as India stepped up humanitarian operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

The aircraft is also expected to evacuate stranded Indian citizens.

Earlier on Sunday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar highlighted the close coordination between NDRF personnel and Sri Lankan authorities in ongoing relief operations in the island nation.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 02:36 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Indian High Commission in Colombo evacuates stranded Indian passengers in Sri Lanka

The Indian High Commission in Colombo is also assisting the stranded Indian passengers in Sri Lanka, news agency PTI reported.

"@IndiainSL is facilitating the swift return home of the Indian passengers stranded in. Evacuation flights by @IAF_MCC and commercial airlines being facilitated today. Every stranded Indian will reach home at the earliest," it said.

Any distressed Indian citizen at the airports or any part of Sri Lanka in need of assistance may reach out to the emergency No +94 773727832. (For WhatsApp also), it added.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 02:34 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: INS Sukanya to reach Sri Lanka soon to assist in relief efforts amid emergency

INS Sukanya, carrying additional humanitarian aid, has left Visakhapatnam and is expected to reach Sri Lanka soon, officials stated on Saturday.

According to an official gazette released by the Sri Lankan government released on Saturday, the state of emergency has been declared throughout the island nation.

The government has moved to provide the district secretaries with discretion of expenditure up to 50 million Sri Lankan rupees.

Flood alerts have also been issued for most of the eastern suburbs in Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo, with people warned to evacuate the region and move to safer locations.

Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Ginige said the alerts were issued due to the River Kelani rising to dangerous levels. He said schools in the danger areas are being used as relief centres for the flood displaced, news agency PTI quoted. (PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 02:29 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: India sends rescue teams to Sri Lanka as death toll rises to 193

India has sent two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, reaffirming the spirit of ‘Neighbourhood First,' news agency PTI reported.

Two Chetak helicopters on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant also joined the rescue efforts.

In an extraordinary display of courage and grit, a family of four stranded on a rooftop was rescued by a Chetak on Saturday.

“A family of four stranded on a rooftop was rescued by a Chetak helicopter from @IN_R11Vikrant on 29 November 2025. They were safely airlifted and brought to a secure location. #operationsagarbandhu continues as India stands with the people of Sri Lanka,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo posted on social media.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Nov 30, 2025 02:26 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka crosses 190

The catastrophic floods, landslides and devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has killed over 190 people, news agency PTI reported.

According to the latest figures released by Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre (DMC) at 12 pm on Sunday, 193 people have been killed with 228 missing since Thursday.

A whopping 9,68,304 people from 2,66,114 families were affected by the extreme weather, DMC said. (PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 01:45 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: 28 disasters response teams deployed in Tamil Nadu after 3 dead in rain-related incidents

Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran Sunday, briefing the reporters, said 28 disaster response teams, including SDRF and NDRF, have been kept ready, and an additional 10 more teams have come to Tamil Nadu from other states, news agency PTI reported.

The teams will be sent to take up relief and rehabilitation work in those areas which have been largely affected due to the rainfall, he said.

The minister said through the control room, the government is in constant touch with the district administration of coastal towns and those areas affected by rains, PTI quoted.

"Whatever assistance they seek, it will be provided immediately after being brought to the notice of the chief minister (M K Stalin)," he said.

Meanwhile, the weather office said Karaikal in Puducherry received the highest rainfall of 19 cm in the last 24 hours while Sembanarkoil in Mayiladuthurai district recorded 17 cm as of 8.30 am on Sunday. (PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 01:43 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: 3 killed in rain-related incidents in TN; 57,000 hectares of farmland affected, says minister

Three people have lost their lives so far in rain-related incidents caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Tamil Nadu, Minister KKSSR Ramachandran told news agency PTI on Sunday.

As many as 149 cattle died and 57,000 hectares of farmland have been affected in the delta districts, the minister for Revenue and Disaster Management said.

"Three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since last evening. While two persons died due to wall collapse in Tuticorin and Thanjavur, respectively, a 20-year-old youth died due to electrocution in Mayiladuthurai," he said while briefing reporters at the State Emergency Operations Centre.

Detailing the impact caused to agricultural lands in delta districts, the minister said 24,000 hectares of land were affected in Nagapattinam, 15,000 hectares in Thiruvarur and 8,000 hectares in Mayiladuthurai. "In total, 57,000 hectares of agriculture lands have been submerged due to heavy rainfall," he said.

Nearly 234 huts have been damaged in the delta districts, he added. (PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 01:19 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Cyclone Ditwah to move parallel to North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts in next 24 hrs

The India Metorological Department (IMD) official S Stella said that the cyclonic storm Ditwah will move northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry coasts for the next 24 hours.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Stella said, "Cyclonic storm Ditwah lies over the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast. It has been moving at a speed of 12 kilometres per hour for the last six hours. It is currently about 100 kilometres east-southeast of Cuddalore, 110 kilometres southeast of Puducherry, and 180 kilometres south-southeast of Chennai."

(PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 12:18 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Five 6th Battalion NDRF teams airlifted to Chennai as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies

Five teams of the 6th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were airlifted from Vadodara to Chennai on Sunday to strengthen preparedness measures as Cyclone Ditwah intensified over the Bay of Bengal, impacting Southern parts of India.

The 6th Battalion is equipped with Flood Water Rescue (FWR) and Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) assets, as shared over a post on X.

"05 teams of 6 BN NDRF, equipped with FWR & CSSR assets, have been airlifted from Vadodara, Gujarat to Chennai for deployment in Tamil Nadu, in view of the prevailing situation due to Cyclone DITWAH," the battalion stated in a post on X.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 12:13 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: IAF transport aircraft positioned for evacuation of Indian nationals from Sri Lanka, relief efforts

As part of India's Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Air Force on Sunday positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo for swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Taking over X, the IAF announced, "IAF transport aircraft are earmarked for large-scale evacuation of Indian nationals, with multiple missions planned from Trivandrum and Hindan. Alongside evacuation, essential relief material, including Bhishm cubes and medical supplies are also being airlifted to support affected communities."

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js


Nov 30, 2025 12:09 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Delta districts of Tamil Nadu bear the brunt; SDRF, NDRF on standby

With heavy rainfall pounding Cauvery delta districts in Tamil Nadu, Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam districts bore the brunt early Sunday, news agency PTI reported.

Normal life continued to remain affected in these coastal towns as heavy rainfall inundated several low lying areas.

The state government has kept 28 disaster response teams, including SDRF and NDRF on standby and 10 more teams are expected to join from other states, State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran had said.

"There have been no fatalities so far, but 16 livestock have died, and 24 huts have been damaged. "There has been no major impact due to the rain so far. However, the state government is continuously monitoring the situation and has readied teams for rescue and relief operations," he said on Saturday. (PTI)

Nov 30, 2025 12:04 PM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: India's NDRF personnel assist local authorities in relief ops, shares Jaishankar

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are working in close coordination with local authorities in Sri Lanka, to undertake relief operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu, after cyclone Ditwah caused severe landslides and floods in the neighbouring country.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared the work of the NDRF personnel in Sri Lanka over a post on X on Sunday morning.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 11:11 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Heavy rainfall to continue in several Tamil Nadu districts and Puducherry

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue at a few places in Southern parts of India, over Tiruvallur and Ranipet districts on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated.

Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai and Villuppuram districts will also experience similar weather conditions throughout the day, the forecast stated.

Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Salem, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts and Puducherry, it stated.

Nov 30, 2025 11:08 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates | Watch: Massive breeze, rough seas at Chennai's Marina Beach

Cyclone Ditwah brought massive sea breeze and rough seas to Marina Beach in Chennai, with gusty winds sweeping the coasts, news agency PTI reported.

Watch: Despite the conditions, large crowds gathered to witness the dramatic waves.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 11:03 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Sea conditions to remain rough through the day, fisherfolks advised to remain ashore

Sea conditions are likely to be ‘High’ (rough to very rough) till November 30, following which it will gradually improve on Monday and Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated.

Gale winds with speed reaching 70-80 gusting to 90 kmph are currently prevailing along and off Tamil Nadu coasts, and are likely to continue through Sunday morning.

The IMD has advised fisherfolks against venturing into the sea.

Nov 30, 2025 11:01 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Houses submerge under floodwaters, rains to continue over the weekend in Sri Lanka

The flooding in Sri Lanka's Malwana and other low-lying areas near Colombo has left most homes under water and without power, authorities told Reuters.

The country's meteorological authorities have forecast continued rains over the weekend, raising fears of further flooding in already waterlogged regions, as per the report, with some residents opting to remain in the upper floors of partially submerged homes, and protecting their belongings.

Local businesses, including pharmacies, supermarkets and fabric shops are inundated, heightening concerns over financial losses as shop owners worry about long-term recovery. (Reuters)

Nov 30, 2025 10:59 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Death toll rises to 153 in Sri Lanka floods, over 78,000 people moved to relief centres

Cyclone Ditwah has left at least 153 people in Sri Lanka dead, as of Sunday morning, Reuters reported.

The cyclone has caused severe landslides and floods in the neighbouring country. About 191 others are reported to be missing and more than half a million have been affected nationwide, according to the report.

Moreover, around 78,000 people have been moved to nearly 800 relief centres, mostly set up in schools, the Disaster Management Centre stated. (Reuters)

Nov 30, 2025 10:53 AM IST
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker LIVE Updates: Flight services hit at Chennai airport amid heavy rainfall

Two IndiGo flights between Chennai International Airport and Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka were cancelled early Sunday, in view of the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which moved northwards overnight and now lies centred over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nov 30, 2025 10:52 AM IST
Good morning,

Welcome to our live blog. Please follow here for the latest updates on Cyclone Ditwah here!

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments