‘Titli’ to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm; coastal districts put on alert

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government today put district administration of coastal areas on ‘high alert’ as cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours.

As per the latest bulletin issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm now lies centred some 520 kms away from Gopalpur but is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.

The severe cyclonic storm is likely to move west-northwards and will make a landfall in Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam on October 11.

The cyclonic storm Titli will hit Odisha at a gusting wind speed of 100 to 125 km per hour.

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The regional meteorological department today sounded ‘Red’ warning for several coastal districts including Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara as heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at these places from tomorrow.

‘Orange’ alert has also been issued for Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak and Balasore for tomorrow.

As per the IMD forecast, cyclone Titli is likely to affect Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Nayagarh and Puri districts. Threat to thatched houses and snapping of power and communication lines due to uprooting of trees and branches have also been on the alert list for the administration.

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Damage to paddy crops besides inundation due to heavy rains under the impact of the cyclone in several districts cannot be ruled out. At a high-level meeting held today, Odisha government directed the collectors of several districts to remain on alert and take all possible measures to tackle the situation.

Besides, the district administrations have also been asked to get ready with cyclone and flood shelters and evacuate people from low-lying areas as a precautionary measure to minimize loss of life and property.

300 boats have been kept ready while NDRF teams have been despatched to Puri, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Gajapati, Bhadrak and Nayagarh districts.

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