Cyclone Ditwah Originating From Bay Of Bengal Forces Lockdown In Sri Lanka, 56 Dead

New Delhi: Cyclone Ditwah, originating from the Bay of Bengal, has brought Sri Lanka to a sudden halt. Torrential rainfall and deadly landslides have claimed 56 lives while 21 people remain missing. Thousands have been forced to leave their homes as floodwaters entered residential zones. The government declared a national emergency and announced a public holiday except for essential service teams. Schools, train services and even the Colombo Stock Exchange have stopped operations. Rescue teams are working continuously as many people are stranded on rooftops awaiting evacuation. The cyclone has already shown its destructive impact even before making official landfall.

Will Rescue Teams Reach Everyone?

According to the Disaster Management Centre, 43,991 citizens have been relocated to schools and designated shelters across the affected zones. Several villages remain cut off as landslides have blocked road access. Brigadier S. Dharmawickrama confirmed that rescue operations are underway but difficult terrain is slowing efforts. Over 300 millimeters of rainfall in just 24 hours has made the ground unstable, increasing the risk of additional landslides. The cyclone is currently positioned near the Trincomalee region on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Experts warn that warm sea temperatures may further increase the cyclone’s energy and movement speed. Relief operations are facing multiple challenges on ground.

Could India Face Similar Threat?

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued alerts in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala as Cyclone Ditwah shifts westward. The system is likely to make landfall within the next 48 hours and could bring strong winds, high sea waves and coastal flooding. Fishermen have been strictly warned not to enter the sea. Local administration has deployed emergency responders to vulnerable districts. Winds have already intensified along parts of southern India since late Thursday evening. Rescue teams have been instructed to stay ready. Authorities are constantly tracking the cyclone’s path to determine required precautionary steps.

Will There Be Double Landfall?

Weather specialists predict that the storm may hit both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu during its trajectory, increasing potential damage levels. The cyclone is expected to first move north-northwest and later shift towards the northern axis. It will pass through the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait region, staying close to landmass on both sides. Authorities have already started precautionary evacuations in low-lying shore areas. Several schools in Tamil Nadu have been closed in advance. Power grid safety measures are being tested to avoid breakdowns. Citizens have been asked to rely only on official emergency bulletins.

Is The Storm Getting Stronger?

Cyclone Ditwah may intensify further due to high ocean heat content. Meteorologists state that when the system moves closer to land, friction may cause dry wind interaction which can prolong the storm's duration. At least the next 48 hours are considered highly critical. Heavy rainfall along with violent gusts could impact agricultural lands severely. Farmers are anxious as previous cyclone Senyaar had already caused significant crop destruction. Several flights have been diverted and air operations have reported scheduling disruptions. The situation continues to evolve as the storm approaches Indian territory.

Will India Also Face Lockdown?

Considering the situation in Sri Lanka, Indian authorities may impose local restrictions if the cyclone hits with greater intensity. In Sri Lanka, citizens have been advised to remain indoors and movement has nearly stopped, creating a lockdown-like environment. Only essential service personnel are permitted outside. Hundreds of families are trapped in flooded areas while rescue efforts continue but accessibility issues persist in remote zones. Officials are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with relief workers. Emergency response teams expect the next several hours to be decisive. The government is closely evaluating regional developments.

Are Preparedness Measures Sufficient?

The National Disaster Response Force has activated specialist teams across high-potential impact zones. Helicopter assistance units and medical support squads are on standby. Fishermen have been told to avoid deep waters until further updates. Citizens are advised to avoid rumors and follow only verified weather channels. The Meteorological Department said the next 24 hours will determine whether the storm intensifies before landfall in India. Relief stocks are being prepared and hospitals have been placed under high alert. All surveillance systems are focused on the Bay of Bengal as Cyclone Ditwah moves aggressively.