New Delhi [India], November 30 : In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah bearing down on Tamil Nadu, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, reviewed preparedness measures with General Manager and teams of Southern Railways to ensure minimum disruption to rail services and ensure safety for passengers and coastal populations.
Union Minister emphasised the establishment of dedicated helplines and passenger-assistance desks to support travellers facing uncertainties due to cancellations or rerouting.
Union Minister Vaishnaw reaffirmed the commitment of Indian Railways to public safety. He has instructed concerned officials to ensure the activation of War Rooms at divisional, Zonal, and Railway Board levels to monitor the situation and remain alert for any extreme situation. He has also asked railway officials to coordinate with civil administration authorities and proactively communicate with passengers until normalcy is restored.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert as cyclonic storm Ditwah over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved northwards at seven kmph, posing a severe threat to northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
At 8:30 PM IST, the storm was centred near latitude 10.5°N and longitude 80.6°E, approximately 110 km northeast of Jaffna (Sri Lanka), 80 km east of Vedaranniyam, 100 km east-southeast of Karaikal, 180 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 280 km south of Chennai. It is expected to move north-northwestwards and reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by the early morning of November 30.
The IMD has warned that the cyclone will come within 60 km, 50 km, and 25 km of the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by midnight today, early morning, and evening of tomorrow, respectively. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted at several places, with extremely heavy rain at isolated locations across Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry-Karaikal areas.
Other districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, are likely to witness heavy rainfall, while isolated regions in Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni may also experience significant showers.The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow local administration instructions. Fishermen are warned not to venture into the sea along the affected coasts.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said on Saturday that Chetak helicopters carried out rescue operations for people affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
The embassy said that India stood firmly with Sri Lanka."Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties in Sri Lanka today, supporting people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time, working together to save lives and extend timely relief," the Embassy said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for conducting rescue operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Jaishankar added that the helicopters had Sri Lanka Air Force personnel onboard.
In a post on X, he said, "Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for Search and Rescue Operations with Sri Lankan personnel onboard."