India: Evacuation orders as cyclone hits east coast October 11 /update 2

Event

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red weather alerts on Thursday, October 11, for much of the east coast of India due to "very severe" Cyclone Titli, which made landfall in Gopalpur (Odisha state) early on the day (local time). Winds of up to 165 km/h (105 mph) have been recorded, along with up to 11 cm (4 in) of rain. Over 300,000 people located in low-lying coastal areas in Odisha have been ordered to evacuate. So far, two deaths have been reported as well as damage to infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands are without electricity and telecommunication signals are disrupted. In addition, roads are blocked by fallen trees and debris, causing severe traffic disruption.

Titli is expected to weaken into a deep depression on October 12. Orange weather warnings will remain in place for Odisha and West Bengal states through October 12, according to the IMD.

Context

Tropical cyclones are common in the Bay of Bengal from May through December.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas should monitor local weather reports, confirm travel plans, avoid low-lying areas, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.