Cyclone Titli: Odisha targets ‘zero casualty’ as storm approaches the state

The Odisha government on Tuesday geared up to ensure ‘zero casualty’ as the cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ was slowly approaching the Odisha-Andra Pradesh coast. The impending cyclonic storm Titli is likely to cross the state coastal areas on October 11, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The state government has asked the District Collectors and authorities to prepare and evacuate those living in low-lying areas, especially in ‘kutchha’ houses or thatched huts along the coast, said sources.

“Zero casualty is part of the state government’s disaster management policy. Stocking of food and shifting of people to cyclone shelters are also included in the policy,” Chief Secretary A P Padhi told reporters.

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Padhi also reviewed a high-level meeting, which was attended by all secretaries, special relief commissioner (SRC) and officers of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

According to IMD forecast report, the cyclonic wind speed will be 100 to 110 kmph with gusting to 125 kmph. The impending storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday, adding the cyclone is likely to make landfall early on Thursday morning.

The cyclone over west-central Bay of Bengal moved west-north westwards at a speed of 10 kmph during the past six hours and intensified into the cyclonic storm Titli, it said.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places and extremely heavy rainfall are likely to hit at isolated places in the state, according to weathermen.

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To ensure safety and to avoid storm-related incidents, state government has ordered closure of schools, colleges and anganwadi centres in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri and Jagtsinghpur from Wednesday, said the official.

Meanwhile, Deputy Special Relief Commissioner P K Mohapatra said as many as 300 motor boats od Special Relief Organisation have been arranged to assist in the rescue operation.

He said teams of NDRF and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) along with Fire Service personnel have been sent to various districts to meet an eventuality.

All the 879 cyclone and flood shelters have been kept in a state of preparedness, the officer added. 

(With inputs from agencies)