Overview On Friday, November 28, 2025 , Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the state is prepared to face cyclonic storm Ditwah . South Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery delta region are bracing for heavy rains. The state government has requested additional NDRF teams and contingency support from the armed forces. Key Developments Deployment of Forces: A total of 12 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 16 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been positioned in 16 districts. Affected Districts: The districts include Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi . Government Requests: The Tamil Nadu government has requested additional NDRF teams from neighboring states and contingency support from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard . Chief Minister's Statements Speaking after a review meeting in Chennai, Mr. Stalin stated that there is a warning for heavy rains in southern parts and the delta region on November 29 (Saturday) and November 30 (Sunday) , with a red alert issued. Collectors of the districts under red alert have been consulted. Chennai Impact: Chennai is expected to experience heavy rains as well. Precautionary Measures: Arrangements include setting up relief camps, distributing food, and shifting people from low-lying areas during water release. Ministerial Oversight: Ministers in-charge of districts are monitoring the situation. Political Reactions Addressing criticism from AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami , Mr. Stalin dismissed claims of deceiving people in the Cauvery delta region, affirming the government's preparedness to face the cyclone. DMK's Role Mr. Stalin , as Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president, urged party office-bearers and functionaries to actively support the people. He emphasized that all precautionary measures have been implemented, and the administrative machinery is on high alert. Instructions have been issued to Ministers, District Collectors, and Superintendents of Police to remain vigilant. DMK Cadre Instructions: Cadres are to extend support, coordinate with local authorities, and assist people in need. Essential Supplies: Arrangements should be made to procure essential items such as rice, pulses, oil, milk, and drinking water. Monitoring: Party functionaries should monitor the availability of essential commodities. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS3: Disaster Management , highlighting the importance of preparedness and response mechanisms in dealing with natural disasters. It also touches upon GS1: Geography concerning the vulnerability of coastal regions and river delta areas to cyclones. The government's policy responses and inter-agency coordination are relevant to GS2: Governance . Important Facts Cyclone Name: Ditwah Date of Warning: November 29-30, 2025 Affected Region: South Tamil Nadu and Cauvery Delta NDRF Teams: 12 SDRF Teams: 16