ISRO satellite captures Cyclone Ditwah barrelling towards Sri Lanka in high-precision view from space

Cyclone Ditwah’s charge felt first through satellite eyes (Image: IMD)

The storm’s shape looked tense in today’s frames. INSAT-3DS showed rising clouds twisting over Sri Lanka, pushing steadily toward Tamil Nadu. Each new pass captured sharper details of the cyclone’s growing core.

ISRO released clear images showing strong bands building. The satellite followed Ditwah as it moved northwest. Its sensors mapped rain clusters reaching nearby coasts. Data helped IMD refine warnings for land areas. Forecasters studied wind charts with updated intensity reports. The cyclone travelled at 6 kmph currently. Sustained winds measured near 65 kmph today. Stronger gales between 60 and 80 kmph continued. Gusts touched 90 kmph near central regions. Outer bands pushed 35 to 45 kmph winds.

Tamil Nadu shores saw higher gusts around 55 kmph. Kerala, Lakshadweep and Maldives reported rising coastal winds. Track models suggested a poleward drift now. IMD noted weakening after land interaction likely. Later re-strengthening offshore remained possible today.

(Image: IMD)

Sri Lanka confirmed 56 deaths after heavy rains. Officials said 23 people remained missing now. Torrential showers stalled trains across key routes. Schools closed after severe flooding hit towns. Daily life paused as storms intensified further. Several regions struggled with blocked main roads.

Tamil Nadu moved NDRF teams to sensitive districts. Thirty members joined operations with rescue tools. A dog squad reached sites for debris searches. A red alert covered Cauvery Delta districts. Orange alerts included Chennai and Tiruvallur today. Kancheepuram, Ranipet and Chengalpattu remained under caution. Officials inspected weather systems across the state. The TN Alert app carried regular updates statewide. TN Smart 2.0 supported monitoring of field responses. Fishermen received strict advisories against sea travel. Rough waves reached nearly 4.9 metres offshore. Warnings extended for five days over Bay areas. The cyclone was expected to parallel Tamil Nadu’s coast. Continuous rainfall was likely in coastal districts soon. District collectors were urged to maintain vigilance today. Rescue teams prepared equipment for emergency measures.

INSAT-3DS provided steady frames for IMD updates. Its high-resolution images improved tracking precision significantly. Analysts combined readings with subtropical ridging assessments. Current data pointed to a consistent north-northwest path. The storm’s behaviour will remain closely watched.