Red alert sounded as cyclonic storm Titli heads towards Odisha
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that a cyclonic storm, Titli, is developing in the Bay of Bengal and moving towards the Andhra Pradesh and the Odisha coast. Notably, the storm is expected to intensify into a severe tropical cyclone. Red alerts have been issued for several districts in Odisha, while many other districts remain on orange alert. Here's more.
Quote
The IMD's statement about cyclonic storm Titli
"Deep depression over Bay of Bengal intensifies into cyclonic storm Titli, is moving towards Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast," said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in a statement.
Titli
Titli is 520km out from Odisha coast, landfall expected soon
IMD officials in Bhubaneswar said that the storm lay centred around 520km from the town of Gopalpur. As it intensifies into a severe storm, it is expected to to move west-northwards and make landfall in Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh on October 11. On Wednesday, sustained wind speeds of 100-110km was recorded, and the storm is likely to get stronger.
Alerts
Several districts on red alert, others on orange alert
Given this situation, the IMD sounded red alerts for the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected Wednesday onwards. Meanwhile, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak and Balasore districts have been put on orange alert. Fishermen have also been asked to steer clear of certain sectors in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Measures
Hundreds to be evacuated; schools, colleges, anganwadis closed
Additionally, collectors of Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts have been asked to make arrangements to shift people from low-lying areas to avoid damage from heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, people living in thatched huts in Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Nayagarh and Puri districts will also be evacuated. All schools, colleges, and anganwadis in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts will remain closed Wednesday onwards.