Cyclone Titli Hits Odisha: Here is all you need to know and steps to stay safe during severe storm

Latest observations indicate that the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘TITLI’ over westcentral Bay of Bengal moved northwestwards with a speed of about 17 kmph during past 06 hours, crossed north Andhra Pradesh- south Odisha coasts, near latitude 18.8°N and longitude 84.5°E (near Palasa, Srikakulam District) to the southwest of Gopalpur, as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 Kmph gusting to 165 Kmph between 0430 and 0530 hours IST of today, the 11th October 2018. 

Photo Credits: Twitter/ NDMA India 

According to hourly coastal observations, Gopalpur reported surface wind speed of 126 kmph at 0430 hours IST and Kalingapatnam reported 59 kmph at 0330 hrs IST of today, the 11th October 2018.

Photo Credits: PTI 

The sea condition will be phenomenal over west central & north Bay of Bengal and along & off south Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts during next 06 hours. It will become very high to high along & off these coasts for the subsequent 12 hours and gradually improve thereafter. It will become high along & off north Odisha coast on 11th during next 18 hours and become very rough for subsequent 12 hours.  

Photo Credits: PTI 

Damage Expected over districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Nayagarh and Puri districts of Odisha. Extensive damage to kutcha houses. Partial disruption of power and communication line. Minor disruption of rail and road traffic. Potential threat from flying debris. Flooding of escape routes. Extensive damage to kutcha houses. Partial disruption of power and communication line. Minor disruption of rail and road traffic. Potential threat from flying debris. Flooding of escape routes.

Photo Credits:  PTI  

Power supply and telephone links got disrupted and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places of Gajapati district, the SRC said. Efforts are on to clear roads blocked by uprooted trees and restore power supply in affected areas at the earliest, he said. 

Photo Credits: AFP

Total suspension of fishing operations. The fishermen are advised not to venture into casualties till 11th October 2018 and north Bay of Bengal on 11th & 12th October 2018. People are advised to remain indoors. Judicious regulation of rail and road traffic needed. 

Photo Credits: AFP 

Before

-Turn on your TV/radio.

-You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions from All India Radio (AIR) and other local sources.

-If it’s safe, secure the outside of your home and any items that could blow away. They may become a safety hazard.

-Know where to find higher ground on foot within 15 minutes.

-You may need to leave quickly to escape rising waters.

-Prepare or restock your emergency supply kit.

-Include a charged cell phone, torch, radio, batteries, matches, candles, food, water, can opener, knife, and first aid supplies.

During

-Walk only where floodwaters aren’t moving.

-Use a stick to check the depth of the water and firmness of the ground in front of you.

-If there’s a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.

-Flash floods are a leading cause of weather-related deaths.

Photo Credits: Twitter/Sudarsansand