Overview
Cyclone Ditwah Impact on the Region: Cyclone Ditwah emerged as a significant tropical disturbance affecting Sri Lanka and parts of Southern India. Its formation over warm ocean waters and rapid intensification highlighted the rising trend of cyclonic activity in the Indian Ocean. Short bursts of intense rainfall and strong winds disrupted transport, agriculture, and essential services across multiple districts.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu as a humanitarian assistance mission to support Sri Lanka following the cyclone’s impact. The operation focused on emergency supplies, technical support, and disaster relief measures from the Indian Navy and associated agencies.
Nature of Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone Ditwah is a tropical cyclone, a term used by the World Meteorological Organization when wind speeds cross the gale force threshold of 63 kph. Its structure involved a well-defined low-pressure system and organized convection, which intensified wind circulation.
The name Ditwah was contributed by Yemen, following the regional cyclone naming conventions of the WMO/ESCAP panel.
Static GK fact: The Indian Ocean region maintains a standardized cyclone naming list contributed by 13 member countries.
Meteorological Behaviour
Tropical cyclones are known for inward air circulation. In the Northern Hemisphere, this movement is anticlockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere it becomes clockwise. Ditwah followed this typical cyclonic pattern as it travelled near Sri Lanka’s eastern coast.
Warm sea surface temperatures and moisture-laden winds aided the storm’s growth. Short duration intense rainfall resulted from deep convective clouds that formed around the cyclone’s core.
Static GK fact: The Bay of Bengal generates nearly 80% of all severe cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
Impact on Sri Lanka and Southern India
Sri Lanka experienced heavy rainfall-induced flooding, damage to housing, and disruptions in power supply. Coastal regions saw rough sea conditions that forced the suspension of fishing activities. Low-lying districts faced waterlogging due to continuous rains.
Parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala also recorded moderate to heavy showers. Local administration issued advisories for fishermen and coastal residents.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu is the Indian state most frequently affected by cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal.
India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu as a rapid-response mission to assist Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. It involved deployment of naval vessels carrying relief materials, medical teams, and technical personnel. The mission strengthened regional cooperation and highlighted India’s commitment to neighbourhood support.
Operational teams provided essential supplies, temporary shelter materials, and on-ground coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.
Static GK Tip: India has undertaken similar missions in the past, including Operation Sagar Araksha and Sagar Kavach for maritime assistance.
Regional Preparedness and Way Forward
Cyclone Ditwah reaffirmed the need for enhanced early warning systems and better coastal management. Collaboration between meteorological agencies helps issue timely alerts, reducing casualties and damage.
Improved infrastructure, community-level preparedness, and climate-resilient planning will remain central to reducing future cyclone risks in the Indian Ocean region.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Cyclone Ditwah Impact on the Region:
| Topic | Detail |
| Cyclone Name | Ditwah |
| Naming Country | Yemen |
| Affected Countries | Sri Lanka and India |
| Type of System | Tropical cyclone |
| Gale Force Threshold | 63 kph |
| Hemisphere Circulation | Anticlockwise in Northern Hemisphere |
| Relief Mission | Operation Sagar Bandhu |
| Key Indian States Affected | Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
| Responsible Global Body | World Meteorological Organization |
| Key Ocean Basin | North Indian Ocean |
