Titli to make landfall in Odisha today

A view of the deserted Gopalpur beach in Ganjam on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said cyclone Titli, that originated in the Bay of Bengal, became a “very severe cyclonic storm” on Wednesday and was likely to make landfall, gusting at about 145-165 kmph in Odisha, on Thursday.

“It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11th October. Thereafter, it is very likely to re-curve northeastwards, move towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and weaken gradually,” said a statement by the IMD.

An IMD scientist said that 20-30% of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal were recurving: instead of moving northwards and westwards, they took a turn eastwards.

Warnings have been issued to fishermen to not venture out into the sea and citizens have been told to stock adequate food, essential items and fuel supplies.

Schools and colleges have been ordered shut.

Rescue measures

“The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 14 teams in Orissa, 4 teams in Andhra and 3 teams in West Bengal along with necessary rescue equipment. Additional teams have been put on standby in the respective areas likely to be affected. In addition, the three States have deployed their own rescue teams along with power boats. The Army, Navy and coastguard have also been put on standby so that they can be deployed at short notice as per requirement,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs.