Cyclone ‘Titli’ hits eastern Indian coast with wind, rain

FT ONLINE

The severe cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ hit India’s Odisha-Andhra coast at Gopalpur with a hurricane wind speed of 126 kph at around 6:15 am (local time) on Thursday.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified ‘Titli’ or Butterfly as a ‘very severe storm’.

It is likely to move north-westwards further and may complete crossing the coast during next 2-3 hours, said a special bulletin of the weather office in Dhaka.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the cyclone centre is about 120 kph to 140 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the system centre.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal No 4.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended the operation of all types of water vessels across the country due to the formation of the cyclonic storm.

BIWTA public relations officer Mobarak Hossain said plying of launches, ferries and speedboats will remain suspended on all the waterways throughout the country until further notice.

In Chittagong port, loading and unloading of goods from ships remain suspended at the outer anchorage since Wednesday morning after the 'Titli' intensified into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ over the  West-Central Bay and its adjoining area.

Md Omar Faruk, secretary of the port authority, said the activities at the outer anchorage remained suspended since 10:00 am on Wednesday following the adverse weather.

However, the activities at the jetty container remained normal.

Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat Tapan Kumar Biswas said all the upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) have been kept alert as well as opening control rooms in all the upazilas.

Khulna district disaster management committee said that 242 shelter centres have been prepared and medical teams kept ready to face the possible disaster.

Besides, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) cancelled all the leaves of its officials and employees in different parts of the country.

Under the circumstances, BWDB deputy secretary (administration) Obaidul Islam ordered all the officials and employees in writing to remain present at their workplaces on holidays too.