Cyclone ‘Titli’ hits eastern Indian coast with wind, rain
The severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' hit India's Odisha-Andhra coast at Gopalpur with a hurricane wind speed of 126 Kph 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 Northwestwards further and may complete crossing the coast during next 2-3 hours, said a special bulletin of Met office here.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the cyclone centre is about 120 kph rising 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 four.
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 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.
According to UNB's Chattogram correspondent, loading and unloading of goods from ships remain suspended at the outer anchorage of the Chittagong seaport since Wednesday morning after the 'Titli' intensified into a 'severe cyclonic storm' over the West-Central Bay and adjoining area.
Md Omar Faruk, secretary of the port authority, said the activities at the outer anchorage remained suspended since 10 am Wednesday following the adverse weather.
However, the activities at jetty container remained normal.
Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat Tapan Kumar Biswas said all the upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) have been kept alert, while control rooms opened in all the upazilas.
According to a report received from UNB's Khulna correspondent, the district disaster management committee said that 242 shelter centers were prepared and medical teams have 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.
At an official order signed by BWDB deputy secretary (administration) Obaidul Islam directed all the officials and employees to remain present at their workplaces on holidays, too.
