The Odisha government said Sunday that financial assistance of up to Rs 1.02 lakh would be given to people for repairing houses damaged by Cyclone 'Titli' and the subsequent floods earlier this month.

Deputy Relief Commissioner PK Mohapatra said the assistance will be given to the people for damaged houses as well as livestock as per the norms of the Odisha Relief Code.

As per the state's estimates, 57,131 houses have been damaged in the twin calamities that left at least 61 people dead and 10 missing.

While an aid of Rs 1,01,900 will be given for damage of a house in hilly areas, Rs 95,100 will be given for those in the plains for rebuilding activity, Mohapatra said.

For partially damaged houses, the affected people will get Rs 5,200 for pucca houses, Rs 3,200 for kuchcha ones and Rs 4,100 for huts, Mohapatra told reporters.

This apart, Rs 2,000 will be given for loss of utensils and Rs 1,800 for clothes damaged in the calamity, he said.

Similarly, financial assistance will also be given for loss of livestock at the rate of Rs 30,000 for a cow and Rs 25,000 for an ox. In this case, compensation will be given for a maximum of three animals per family, he said.

For demostic animals like goat and sheep, assistance of Rs 3,000 per family will be provided. Similarly, assistance of Rs 50 per family will be provided for loss of poultry animals with a cap of Rs 5,000, Mohapatra said.

Mohapatra said power supply has been restored in Ganjam and Rayagada districts, while the same would be completed in Gajapati district by October 23.

The Odisha government said Sunday that financial assistance of up to Rs 1.02 lakh would be given to people for repairing houses damaged by Cyclone 'Titli' and the subsequent floods earlier this month.

The Odisha government said Sunday that financial assistance of up to Rs 1.02 lakh would be given to people for repairing houses damaged by Cyclone 'Titli' and the subsequent floods earlier this month. Deputy Relief Commissioner PK Mohapatra said the assistance will be given to the people for damaged houses as well as livestock as per the norms of the Odisha Relief Code. As per the state's estimates, 57,131 houses have been damaged in the twin calamities that left at least 61 people dead and 10 missing. While an aid of Rs 1,01,900 will be given for damage of a house in hilly areas, Rs 95,100 will be given for those in the plains for rebuilding activity, Mohapatra said. For partially damaged houses, the affected people will get Rs 5,200 for pucca houses, Rs 3,200 for kuchcha ones and Rs 4,100 for huts, Mohapatra told reporters. This apart, Rs 2,000 will be given for loss of utensils and Rs 1,800 for clothes damaged in the calamity, he said. Similarly, financial assistance will also be given for loss of livestock at the rate of Rs 30,000 for a cow and Rs 25,000 for an ox. In this case, compensation will be given for a maximum of three animals per family, he said. For demostic animals like goat and sheep, assistance of Rs 3,000 per family will be provided. Similarly, assistance of Rs 50 per family will be provided for loss of poultry animals with a cap of Rs 5,000, Mohapatra said. Mohapatra said power supply has been restored in Ganjam and Rayagada districts, while the same would be completed in Gajapati district by October 23.

Odisha to pay up to Rs 1.02 lakh for cyclone-damaged houses

The toll in Cyclone Titli and the subsequent floods in Odisha rose to 61, with the state government confirming four more casualties on Saturday and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directing officials to complete restoration work within the stipulated time.

Reports of death of 11 more people were being verified at district level, Chief Secretary A P Padhi said after a review of relief and restoration activities in the 17 affected districts.

He said four more people had died in the cyclone and the resultant floods that had struck Odisha and neighbouring districts of Andhra Pradesh on October 11.

Of the 61 deaths confirmed so far, Padhi said three were fishermen from the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. They died while fishing near Odisha coast and the bodies were recovered, he said.

The state government has submitted a preliminary report to the Centre on the damage caused by the cyclone and the flood, he said, adding it has sought Rs 1,000 crore as interim assistance.

Patnaik reviewed the ongoing restoration work in the affected districts and directed secretaries of various departments to take up relief efforts on a war-footing.

A senior official said that Patnaik had instructed that rebuilding of roads, drinking water facilities, power supply and damage assessment should be completed soon.

The chief minister would send independent observers to the affected areas to oversee completion of restoration work, he said.

On the progress made in relief and restoration work, Padhi said the repair of all the roads, except in Sorada in Ganjam district and Daringbadi in Kandhmal district, were completed.

He said the supply of drinking water to all urban local bodies (ULBs) and 570 of the 650 villages in the affected districts was restored. The damaged tubewells were repaired as well, the chief secretary added.

Power connectivity to about 90 per cent of the affected areas would be completed by October 22, the chief secretary said, adding 50 kg of rice was provided to each affected family in the worst-hit Gajapati district.

He further said financial assistance of Rs 11 crore was disbursed among the affected families in Gajapati district, while the process was in the final stage in Ganjam district.

Each family in Gajapati was being given 50 kg rice and Rs 1,000 in cash as relief, while the affected families in Ganjam have got 25 kg of rice and Rs 2,000 cash.

The chief secretary said about 57,000 houses were completely damaged and the Odisha government had sought sanction of houses under Pradham Mantri Awas Yojana.

The toll in Cyclone Titli and the subsequent floods in Odisha rose to 61, with the state government confirming four more casualties on Saturday and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directing officials to complete restoration work within the stipulated time.

The toll in Cyclone Titli and the subsequent floods in Odisha rose to 61, with the state government confirming four more casualties on Saturday and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directing officials to complete restoration work within the stipulated time. Reports of death of 11 more people were being verified at district level, Chief Secretary A P Padhi said after a review of relief and restoration activities in the 17 affected districts. He said four more people had died in the cyclone and the resultant floods that had struck Odisha and neighbouring districts of Andhra Pradesh on October 11. Of the 61 deaths confirmed so far, Padhi said three were fishermen from the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. They died while fishing near Odisha coast and the bodies were recovered, he said. The state government has submitted a preliminary report to the Centre on the damage caused by the cyclone and the flood, he said, adding it has sought Rs 1,000 crore as interim assistance. Patnaik reviewed the ongoing restoration work in the affected districts and directed secretaries of various departments to take up relief efforts on a war-footing. A senior official said that Patnaik had instructed that rebuilding of roads, drinking water facilities, power supply and damage assessment should be completed soon. The chief minister would send independent observers to the affected areas to oversee completion of restoration work, he said. On the progress made in relief and restoration work, Padhi said the repair of all the roads, except in Sorada in Ganjam district and Daringbadi in Kandhmal district, were completed. He said the supply of drinking water to all urban local bodies (ULBs) and 570 of the 650 villages in the affected districts was restored. The damaged tubewells were repaired as well, the chief secretary added. Power connectivity to about 90 per cent of the affected areas would be completed by October 22, the chief secretary said, adding 50 kg of rice was provided to each affected family in the worst-hit Gajapati district. He further said financial assistance of Rs 11 crore was disbursed among the affected families in Gajapati district, while the process was in the final stage in Ganjam district. Each family in Gajapati was being given 50 kg rice and Rs 1,000 in cash as relief, while the affected families in Ganjam have got 25 kg of rice and Rs 2,000 cash. The chief secretary said about 57,000 houses were completely damaged and the Odisha government had sought sanction of houses under Pradham Mantri Awas Yojana.

Toll in Cyclone Titli rises to 61, Odisha CM asks officials to work on war-footing

The Odisha government asked the Centre Thursday to release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief-and-restoration work in 17 districts as last week's Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood caused a loss of about Rs 2,765 crore and affected 60.11 lakh people.

Apart from a severe damage to infrastructure, the natural calamities had claimed 57 lives in the state, officials said.

"I would request you to kindly consider the grave situation in the state on account of the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Titli' and its associated impacts and request you to please release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to the state to enable taking up relief and restoration works of immediate nature," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This apart, Patnaik mentioned in the letter that keeping in view the fact that 57,131 houses were damaged, the Government of India should consider a special allocation of the same number of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Noting that the state government had already submitted a preliminary memorandum to the Centre, pegging the funds required at Rs 2,770.28 crore,

Patnaik said, "We are seeking central assistance of Rs 2014.09 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, over and above the funds available in the State Disaster Response Fund for the year 2018-19."

Besides the loss of human lives, there had been an extensive damage to private and public properties, Patnaik said, adding that the standing crop on about 2.73 lakh hectares of land had also suffered massive damage.

The chief minister said the damage to the electrical infrastructure in Ganjam and Gajapati districts was immense and the roads in the rural as well as urban areas were also in a very poor shape.

These needed to be repaired on an urgent basis, he added.

Stating that his government had fully utilised its resources to tackle "Titli" and the resultant flood, Patnaik said the natural calamities had caused damage and destruction in 17 districts and affected 60.11 lakh people.

"A non-coastal district, namely Gajapati, has been the worst affected. Besides the cyclone and the flood, a massive landslide occurred in the Mahendragiri hills, which completely destroyed one village, namely Baraghara, under Gangabada GP of Gajapati district," the chief minister said, adding that 57 people lost their lives in different districts and 10 were reportedly missing due to landslides, wall-collapse incidents and drowning.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, visited Gajapati and Ganjam districts and expressed concern over the plight of the people even eight days after the cyclone hit the coast.

Unhappy over the manner in which the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state undertook the relief-and-restoration activities, he said, "The government should wake up from its slumber and swing into action to mitigate the miseries of the affected people."

The Odisha government asked the Centre Thursday to release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief-and-restoration work in 17 districts as last week's Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood caused a loss of about Rs 2,765 crore and affected 60.

The Odisha government asked the Centre Thursday to release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief-and-restoration work in 17 districts as last week's Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood caused a loss of about Rs 2,765 crore and affected 60.11 lakh people. Apart from a severe damage to infrastructure, the natural calamities had claimed 57 lives in the state, officials said. "I would request you to kindly consider the grave situation in the state on account of the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Titli' and its associated impacts and request you to please release an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to the state to enable taking up relief and restoration works of immediate nature," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This apart, Patnaik mentioned in the letter that keeping in view the fact that 57,131 houses were damaged, the Government of India should consider a special allocation of the same number of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Noting that the state government had already submitted a preliminary memorandum to the Centre, pegging the funds required at Rs 2,770.28 crore, Patnaik said, "We are seeking central assistance of Rs 2014.09 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, over and above the funds available in the State Disaster Response Fund for the year 2018-19." Besides the loss of human lives, there had been an extensive damage to private and public properties, Patnaik said, adding that the standing crop on about 2.73 lakh hectares of land had also suffered massive damage. The chief minister said the damage to the electrical infrastructure in Ganjam and Gajapati districts was immense and the roads in the rural as well as urban areas were also in a very poor shape. These needed to be repaired on an urgent basis, he added. Stating that his government had fully utilised its resources to tackle "Titli" and the resultant flood, Patnaik said the natural calamities had caused damage and destruction in 17 districts and affected 60.11 lakh people. "A non-coastal district, namely Gajapati, has been the worst affected. Besides the cyclone and the flood, a massive landslide occurred in the Mahendragiri hills, which completely destroyed one village, namely Baraghara, under Gangabada GP of Gajapati district," the chief minister said, adding that 57 people lost their lives in different districts and 10 were reportedly missing due to landslides, wall-collapse incidents and drowning. Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, visited Gajapati and Ganjam districts and expressed concern over the plight of the people even eight days after the cyclone hit the coast. Unhappy over the manner in which the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state undertook the relief-and-restoration activities, he said, "The government should wake up from its slumber and swing into action to mitigate the miseries of the affected people."

Cyclone: Odisha asks Centre for Rs 1,000 crore as interim assistance

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity.

"The Secretary-General is saddened by reports of death and injury in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli,? a statement issued Monday by Guterres' spokesman said.

Guterres said the UN stands in solidarity with the Government of India as it responds to this calamity and is ready to support the response.&nbsp;

The death toll in cyclone Titli, which made a landfall on October 11, and the subsequent flood in Odisha has risen to 27. A total of 3,60,353 people were evacuated and sheltered in 1,614 relief centres.&nbsp;

Millions of people have been affected in Odisha mainly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, and thousands of houses were damaged in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli also disrupted road and telecommunications networks and power supplies.

The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction caused in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli, saying the world body is ready to support the government's response to the calamity. "The Secretary-General is saddened by reports of death and injury in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in India due to landslides and flooding following Cyclone Titli,? a statement issued Monday by Guterres' spokesman said. Guterres said the UN stands in solidarity with the Government of India as it responds to this calamity and is ready to support the response. The death toll in cyclone Titli, which made a landfall on October 11, and the subsequent flood in Odisha has risen to 27. A total of 3,60,353 people were evacuated and sheltered in 1,614 relief centres. Millions of people have been affected in Odisha mainly in the worst-hit districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada, and thousands of houses were damaged in Andhra Pradesh. Cyclone Titli also disrupted road and telecommunications networks and power supplies. The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Chief saddened over destruction caused by cyclone Titli in Odisha, Andhra

The death toll in Cyclone Titli-hit Odisha rose to 24 Sunday after two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble brought by a landslide in Gajapati district, even as the flood situation in the state improved marginally, officials said.&nbsp;

Heavy rains pounded Odisha over the last three days following the cyclone's landfall on Gopalpur in the southwestern part of the state.

Fifteen people were killed in the Friday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-rs-4-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-gajapati-landslide-victims-171475"> landslide in Gajapati's </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-rs-4-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-gajapati-landslide-victims-171475">Barghar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-rs-4-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-gajapati-landslide-victims-171475"> area</a>, around 50 km from the district headquarters town of Paralakhemundi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer T P Patra said.

He said while 13 bodies were found Saturday night, two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Besides those killed in the landslide, flood and rain-related incidents claimed three lives in Gajapati, and four and two in Ganjam and Khandamal districts respectively, the officials said.&nbsp;

The flood situation in Odisha has improved marginally, making it easier for the administration to expedite relief and restoration operations, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

Sethi, however, said the situation has "marginally improved in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, with water receding from low-lying areas and roads being cleared of tree trunks and electric poles".

"Electricity supply has been restored in many places in Ganjam, one of the worst-affected districts in the state.&nbsp;

"In Gajapati, too, the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) personnel have been pressed into service to clear roads by removing the uprooted trees," Sethi told reporters after a review meeting with Chief Secretary A P Padhi.

The SRC said the cyclone had extensively damaged the standing crops in many affected areas and a loss assessment will be made in the next few days.

Sethi said assistance will be doled out accordingly to the affected farmers.

In Ganjam, vast stretches of the two towns of Aska and Proshuttampur were submerged in rainwater over the past two days, District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said.

The relief team had to air drop food packets for the stranded people in these areas, he said.

The SRC clarified that floodwater has subsided in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts in the past 24 hours.

"As people are returning homes following improvement in weather conditions, food will not be provided in the relief camps in these districts anymore," he said.

Talking about the landslip incident in Gajapati, Sethi said the state government has decided to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to families of each of the deceased.

Three additional ODRAF and two NDRF teams will be dispatched to Gajapati to step up restoration work, he said.

"Though, it will take time to restore the flood-affected areas, the subsiding water level at major rivers has brought relief to the people.&nbsp;

"The Budhabalanga river is flowing much below the danger mark near Barunighat," Sethi said.

But the situation is yet to change for better in Mayurbhanj district, where the villagers are still reeling under flood-like situation, the SRC said.

"The water from overflowing Budhabalanga and Gangahara rivers has gushed into around 14 villages in Badasahi block on Mayurbhanj.&nbsp;

"Road communication between Basta and Baliapal too continues to remain disrupted with Jalaka river still flowing above the danger mark," he added.

Meanwhile, a three-member team, led by state Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty Sunday reviewed the restoration work across the affected areas of state.

The ministerial team, constituted two days ago, has also been tasked with the responsibility of assessing damages.

While Mohanty visited Gajapati district in the morning, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and SC-ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi, monitored relief work at Kandhamal district.

"Connectivity has largely been restored to district headquarters and block headquarters in the affected areas. Work is going on in full swing to bring back normalcy," Mohanty said.

He said the field-level revenue officials have been asked to complete assessment work at the earliest.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had Saturday announced a 15-day monetary relief package for people affected by Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood.

Patnaik, who made an aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts, said a family of four will be assisted with around Rs 3,000 as relief.&nbsp;

The death toll in Cyclone Titli-hit Odisha rose to 24 Sunday after two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble brought by a landslide in Gajapati district, even as the flood situation in the state improved marginally, officials said.

The death toll in Cyclone Titli-hit Odisha rose to 24 Sunday after two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble brought by a landslide in Gajapati district, even as the flood situation in the state improved marginally, officials said. Heavy rains pounded Odisha over the last three days following the cyclone's landfall on Gopalpur in the southwestern part of the state. Fifteen people were killed in the Friday landslide in Gajapati's Barghar area, around 50 km from the district headquarters town of Paralakhemundi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer T P Patra said. He said while 13 bodies were found Saturday night, two more bodies were pulled out of the rubble Sunday morning. Besides those killed in the landslide, flood and rain-related incidents claimed three lives in Gajapati, and four and two in Ganjam and Khandamal districts respectively, the officials said. The flood situation in Odisha has improved marginally, making it easier for the administration to expedite relief and restoration operations, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. Sethi, however, said the situation has "marginally improved in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, with water receding from low-lying areas and roads being cleared of tree trunks and electric poles". "Electricity supply has been restored in many places in Ganjam, one of the worst-affected districts in the state. "In Gajapati, too, the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) personnel have been pressed into service to clear roads by removing the uprooted trees," Sethi told reporters after a review meeting with Chief Secretary A P Padhi. The SRC said the cyclone had extensively damaged the standing crops in many affected areas and a loss assessment will be made in the next few days. Sethi said assistance will be doled out accordingly to the affected farmers. In Ganjam, vast stretches of the two towns of Aska and Proshuttampur were submerged in rainwater over the past two days, District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said. The relief team had to air drop food packets for the stranded people in these areas, he said. The SRC clarified that floodwater has subsided in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts in the past 24 hours. "As people are returning homes following improvement in weather conditions, food will not be provided in the relief camps in these districts anymore," he said. Talking about the landslip incident in Gajapati, Sethi said the state government has decided to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to families of each of the deceased. Three additional ODRAF and two NDRF teams will be dispatched to Gajapati to step up restoration work, he said. "Though, it will take time to restore the flood-affected areas, the subsiding water level at major rivers has brought relief to the people. "The Budhabalanga river is flowing much below the danger mark near Barunighat," Sethi said. But the situation is yet to change for better in Mayurbhanj district, where the villagers are still reeling under flood-like situation, the SRC said. "The water from overflowing Budhabalanga and Gangahara rivers has gushed into around 14 villages in Badasahi block on Mayurbhanj. "Road communication between Basta and Baliapal too continues to remain disrupted with Jalaka river still flowing above the danger mark," he added. Meanwhile, a three-member team, led by state Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty Sunday reviewed the restoration work across the affected areas of state. The ministerial team, constituted two days ago, has also been tasked with the responsibility of assessing damages. While Mohanty visited Gajapati district in the morning, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and SC-ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi, monitored relief work at Kandhamal district. "Connectivity has largely been restored to district headquarters and block headquarters in the affected areas. Work is going on in full swing to bring back normalcy," Mohanty said. He said the field-level revenue officials have been asked to complete assessment work at the earliest. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had Saturday announced a 15-day monetary relief package for people affected by Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood. Patnaik, who made an aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts, said a family of four will be assisted with around Rs 3,000 as relief.

Death toll climbs to 24 as flood situation improves in Odisha

Cyclone Titli weakened into a deep depression and entered West Bengal Friday, triggering incessant rainfall even as it claimed four lives - three in Odisha and one in Bengal.

The cyclone and the accompanying heavy rain have wrought damage in Bengal's Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts adjoining Odisha. It left one person dead in

Paschim Medinipur district and uprooted trees along state highway number 5, holding up traffic, authorities in the two districts said.

Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram are witnessing incessant rain since Thursday night.

The MeT department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal till Saturday, ahead of Durga Puja festivities. It said the cyclone has weakened into a deep depression and is moving northeast.

Paschim Medinipur district Magistrate P Mohan Gandhi said a 35-year-old security guard was killed when a 12-foot factory wall collapsed on him at Kharagpur following heavy rains on Friday. Ten others were injured in various rain-related incidents.

In neighbouring Jhargram district, the storm caused mud houses and Durga Puja pandals to collapse in Rohinibazar, Sankrail and Jhargram block areas.

The weatherman said the deep depression is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain in North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman, Howrah and Hooghly districts.

Heavy rain is likely in Kolkata, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur districts till Saturday, the Met department said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, deep sea areas of North and Central Bay of Bengal till Saturday.

Tourists at Digha and other adjacent sea-side resorts have been advised not to get into any sea-bound activities till Saturday as squall with speed of 45 to 55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph will prevail along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha.

In Odisha, the toll in the natural calamity rose to three after two bodies were recovered in Ganjam district, near where it made its landfall, as the state government deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel to speed up rescue and relief operations.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

One of the two bodies was that of a 40-year-old fisherman from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, police said.

The other body is that of a 45-year-old man of Bhuta Pankal village under Sorada block in Ganjam district.

On Thursday, the body of an eight-year-old boy, who had slipped into a canal at Saradhapur village under Hinjili police station, was found by locals, police said.

In Andhra Pradesh, eight lives were snuffed out by the storm on Thursday.

The Odisha government is, however, yet to confirm the deaths.

"We have seen media reports of the deaths of two or three persons in districts. We are verifying it," Chief Secretary A P Padhi told scribes on the human casualty due to Cyclone Titli.

The state deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel Friday to speed up rescue and relief operation mainly in the southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada where more than 60 lakh people were affected by flood due to heavy rainfall triggered by the cyclone.

The flood situation in three districts, which received the highest rainfall for three days under the impact of Cyclone Titli, is grim as the water levels in major rivers like Rushikulya and Bansadhara have crossed their danger marks, official sources said.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said people in Balasore district were also affected by the flood.

The decision to step up relief and rescue operation was taken at a high-level meeting where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation.

In a video conference with the district collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada, Patnaik gave instructions for intensifying rescue and relief operation on a war footing as people faced the twin calamities of cyclone and floods.

Patnaik stressed on quick repair of breaches in several river embankments and directed district collectors to provide cooked food to people evacuated from their homes.

He constituted a three-member ministerial committee to visit the three worst-affected districts to monitor rescue and relief operation.

Two helicopters were requisitioned from the Indian Navy mainly for rescue and air dropping of relief materials in Ganjam district as its villages are cut off due to the submergence of roads with rain and flood waters, Padhi said.

Low-lying areas in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and the pilgrim town of Puri were also waterlogged due to rains.

The swollen Mahendratanaya river submerged vast stretches of Gajapati district cutting off road communication between Andhra Pradesh and Paralakhemundi in Odisha's Gajapati district, official sources said.

Train services were affected by the cyclone and floods and at least 16 trains were cancelled and several others rescheduled by East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Friday due to submergence of railway tracks, an ECoR official said.

Director of Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, H R Biswas said heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to pound parts of the state, including Balasore, Bhadrak and Dhenkanal districts, till Saturday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli weakened into a deep depression and entered West Bengal Friday, triggering incessant rainfall even as it claimed four lives - three in Odisha and one in Bengal.

Cyclone Titli weakened into a deep depression and entered West Bengal Friday, triggering incessant rainfall even as it claimed four lives - three in Odisha and one in Bengal. The cyclone and the accompanying heavy rain have wrought damage in Bengal's Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur districts adjoining Odisha. It left one person dead in Paschim Medinipur district and uprooted trees along state highway number 5, holding up traffic, authorities in the two districts said. Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram are witnessing incessant rain since Thursday night. The MeT department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal till Saturday, ahead of Durga Puja festivities. It said the cyclone has weakened into a deep depression and is moving northeast. Paschim Medinipur district Magistrate P Mohan Gandhi said a 35-year-old security guard was killed when a 12-foot factory wall collapsed on him at Kharagpur following heavy rains on Friday. Ten others were injured in various rain-related incidents. In neighbouring Jhargram district, the storm caused mud houses and Durga Puja pandals to collapse in Rohinibazar, Sankrail and Jhargram block areas. The weatherman said the deep depression is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rain in North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman, Howrah and Hooghly districts. Heavy rain is likely in Kolkata, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur districts till Saturday, the Met department said. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, deep sea areas of North and Central Bay of Bengal till Saturday. Tourists at Digha and other adjacent sea-side resorts have been advised not to get into any sea-bound activities till Saturday as squall with speed of 45 to 55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph will prevail along and off the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha. In Odisha, the toll in the natural calamity rose to three after two bodies were recovered in Ganjam district, near where it made its landfall, as the state government deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel to speed up rescue and relief operations. One of the two bodies was that of a 40-year-old fisherman from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, police said. The other body is that of a 45-year-old man of Bhuta Pankal village under Sorada block in Ganjam district. On Thursday, the body of an eight-year-old boy, who had slipped into a canal at Saradhapur village under Hinjili police station, was found by locals, police said. In Andhra Pradesh, eight lives were snuffed out by the storm on Thursday. The Odisha government is, however, yet to confirm the deaths. "We have seen media reports of the deaths of two or three persons in districts. We are verifying it," Chief Secretary A P Padhi told scribes on the human casualty due to Cyclone Titli. The state deployed NDRF and ODRAF personnel Friday to speed up rescue and relief operation mainly in the southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada where more than 60 lakh people were affected by flood due to heavy rainfall triggered by the cyclone. The flood situation in three districts, which received the highest rainfall for three days under the impact of Cyclone Titli, is grim as the water levels in major rivers like Rushikulya and Bansadhara have crossed their danger marks, official sources said. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said people in Balasore district were also affected by the flood. The decision to step up relief and rescue operation was taken at a high-level meeting where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation. In a video conference with the district collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada, Patnaik gave instructions for intensifying rescue and relief operation on a war footing as people faced the twin calamities of cyclone and floods. Patnaik stressed on quick repair of breaches in several river embankments and directed district collectors to provide cooked food to people evacuated from their homes. He constituted a three-member ministerial committee to visit the three worst-affected districts to monitor rescue and relief operation. Two helicopters were requisitioned from the Indian Navy mainly for rescue and air dropping of relief materials in Ganjam district as its villages are cut off due to the submergence of roads with rain and flood waters, Padhi said. Low-lying areas in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and the pilgrim town of Puri were also waterlogged due to rains. The swollen Mahendratanaya river submerged vast stretches of Gajapati district cutting off road communication between Andhra Pradesh and Paralakhemundi in Odisha's Gajapati district, official sources said. Train services were affected by the cyclone and floods and at least 16 trains were cancelled and several others rescheduled by East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Friday due to submergence of railway tracks, an ECoR official said. Director of Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, H R Biswas said heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to pound parts of the state, including Balasore, Bhadrak and Dhenkanal districts, till Saturday.

Cyclone Titli kills 4 in Odisha and West Bengal

The Andhra Pradesh government Saturday requested the Centre to release Rs 1,200 crore as interim relief for restoration measures in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts that were battered by cyclone Titli.

The severe cyclonic storm hit the two districts early Thursday, with winds gusting up to 165 kilometers per hour. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 10 cm to 43 cm, was witnessed in different parts of the districts.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, "The devastating cyclone has hit north coastal Andhra Pradesh, badly damaging the infrastructure and derailing normal life in the region, especially in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts."

Naidu said the cost of damaged properties, crops and infrastructure has tentatively worked out to be Rs 2,800 crore.

Horticulture was the worst hit with damages to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore followed by agriculture (Rs 800 crore), power sector (Rs 500 crore), roads and buildings, panchayat raj, rural water supply, irrigation (Rs 100 crore each), animal husbandry and fisheries (Rs 50 crore each), the chief minister said further.

"The state government has already started rescue and relief operations on a war-footing and I am personally camping in these districts, visiting the affected areas and supervising the relief and restoration operations," Naidu said.

In view of the severe damages to life, property and infrastructure, he urged the Centre to "liberally and expeditiously" sanction the relief so as to minimise the misery of the people.

Meanwhile, a release from chief minister's office said eight people (seven in Srikakulam district and one in Vizianagaram) were killed in the "very severe" cyclonic storm while two fishermen were reported missing.

In all, 290 km of roads were damaged along with 8,962 houses, 80 minor irrigation sources and 16 rural water supply tanks.

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) suffered damage to its infrastructure in Srikakulam district that bore the brunt of the cyclone, the release said. 
Agriculture crops in 1,39,844 hectares, including paddy in 1,36,531 hectares, was damaged in Srikakulam while crops in 308 hectares were lost in Vizianagaram district.

Banana plantations in 2,424 hectares were also damaged.&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh government Saturday requested the Centre to release Rs 1,200 crore as interim relief for restoration measures in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts that were battered by cyclone Titli.

The Andhra Pradesh government Saturday requested the Centre to release Rs 1,200 crore as interim relief for restoration measures in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts that were battered by cyclone Titli. The severe cyclonic storm hit the two districts early Thursday, with winds gusting up to 165 kilometers per hour. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 10 cm to 43 cm, was witnessed in different parts of the districts. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, "The devastating cyclone has hit north coastal Andhra Pradesh, badly damaging the infrastructure and derailing normal life in the region, especially in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts." Naidu said the cost of damaged properties, crops and infrastructure has tentatively worked out to be Rs 2,800 crore. Horticulture was the worst hit with damages to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore followed by agriculture (Rs 800 crore), power sector (Rs 500 crore), roads and buildings, panchayat raj, rural water supply, irrigation (Rs 100 crore each), animal husbandry and fisheries (Rs 50 crore each), the chief minister said further. "The state government has already started rescue and relief operations on a war-footing and I am personally camping in these districts, visiting the affected areas and supervising the relief and restoration operations," Naidu said. In view of the severe damages to life, property and infrastructure, he urged the Centre to "liberally and expeditiously" sanction the relief so as to minimise the misery of the people. Meanwhile, a release from chief minister's office said eight people (seven in Srikakulam district and one in Vizianagaram) were killed in the "very severe" cyclonic storm while two fishermen were reported missing. In all, 290 km of roads were damaged along with 8,962 houses, 80 minor irrigation sources and 16 rural water supply tanks. The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) suffered damage to its infrastructure in Srikakulam district that bore the brunt of the cyclone, the release said. Agriculture crops in 1,39,844 hectares, including paddy in 1,36,531 hectares, was damaged in Srikakulam while crops in 308 hectares were lost in Vizianagaram district. Banana plantations in 2,424 hectares were also damaged.

Cyclone Titli: Andhra Pradesh government urges Centre to release Rs 1,200 crore

At least 12 people were feared dead and four missing in a landslide triggered by heavy rain after cyclone Titli in Odisha's Gajapati district, Special Relief Commissioner B P Sethi said Saturday.

The incident occurred when some villagers took shelter in a cave structure following very heavy rainfall Friday evening, he said.

"There are reports about death of 12 people in a landslide caused by heavy rains in Baraghara village under Rayagada block in Gajapati district. We are verifying them," Sethi said.

Four people were missing and they were feared trapped under the debris, he said.

The district collector of Gajapati was asked to visit the spot to ascertain the situation and give a detailed report, he said.

After getting the report, financial assistance will be provided to the affected people as per government provisions, Sethi said.

He said the area where the landslide took place was remote and the roads to location were blocked by uprooted trees.

A rescue team, including personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the area which was ravaged by incessant rainfall. The cyclone had made a landfall on Thursday southwest of Gopalpur near Palasa, said an official.

Meanwhile, rescue and relief operation gained momentum as water has started receding in other areas, officials said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was reviewing the situation, was slated to undertake an aerial survey of some of the affected areas, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

As many as 1,27,262 people were sheltered in 963 relief centres Friday, while the NDRF and the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) were deployed to speed up rescue and relief operations, Sethi said.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Puri, Kandhamal and Kendrapara districts were affected by floods, he said, adding Ganjam was categorised as the "worst-affected".

Two helicopters requisitioned from the Indian Navy are being engaged in air dropping operation in Ganjam district, said officials.

The chief minister has directed Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and SC-ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi to proceed to Kandhamal district to monitor the relief and restoration work, an official in CMO said.

Patnaik had earlier formed a three-member ministerial team to visit the flood-affected Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts and monitor the operations there.

The state government cancelled the Dusshera vacation of all its employees in southern and central division, including Bhubaneswar, in view of cyclone Titli and subsequent flooding in different parts of the state.

About 60 lakh people were affected in the cyclone and flood and normal life was badly hit in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts where the flood situation remained grim as water levels in major rivers such as Rushikulya and Bansadhara crossed danger marks, official sources said.

Sethi said Balasore district was also affected by flood.&nbsp;

At least 12 people were feared dead and four missing in a landslide triggered by heavy rain after cyclone Titli in Odisha's Gajapati district, Special Relief Commissioner B P Sethi said Saturday.

At least 12 people were feared dead and four missing in a landslide triggered by heavy rain after cyclone Titli in Odisha's Gajapati district, Special Relief Commissioner B P Sethi said Saturday. The incident occurred when some villagers took shelter in a cave structure following very heavy rainfall Friday evening, he said. "There are reports about death of 12 people in a landslide caused by heavy rains in Baraghara village under Rayagada block in Gajapati district. We are verifying them," Sethi said. Four people were missing and they were feared trapped under the debris, he said. The district collector of Gajapati was asked to visit the spot to ascertain the situation and give a detailed report, he said. After getting the report, financial assistance will be provided to the affected people as per government provisions, Sethi said. He said the area where the landslide took place was remote and the roads to location were blocked by uprooted trees. A rescue team, including personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the area which was ravaged by incessant rainfall. The cyclone had made a landfall on Thursday southwest of Gopalpur near Palasa, said an official. Meanwhile, rescue and relief operation gained momentum as water has started receding in other areas, officials said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was reviewing the situation, was slated to undertake an aerial survey of some of the affected areas, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts. As many as 1,27,262 people were sheltered in 963 relief centres Friday, while the NDRF and the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) were deployed to speed up rescue and relief operations, Sethi said. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Puri, Kandhamal and Kendrapara districts were affected by floods, he said, adding Ganjam was categorised as the "worst-affected". Two helicopters requisitioned from the Indian Navy are being engaged in air dropping operation in Ganjam district, said officials. The chief minister has directed Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and SC-ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi to proceed to Kandhamal district to monitor the relief and restoration work, an official in CMO said. Patnaik had earlier formed a three-member ministerial team to visit the flood-affected Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts and monitor the operations there. The state government cancelled the Dusshera vacation of all its employees in southern and central division, including Bhubaneswar, in view of cyclone Titli and subsequent flooding in different parts of the state. About 60 lakh people were affected in the cyclone and flood and normal life was badly hit in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada districts where the flood situation remained grim as water levels in major rivers such as Rushikulya and Bansadhara crossed danger marks, official sources said. Sethi said Balasore district was also affected by flood.

12 feared dead, four missing in landslide in Titli-hit Odisha

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern coast early Thursday, wreaking havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha's Gajapati and Ganjam districts.

Traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway was hit after uprooted trees blocked some sections of the road.

The South Central Railway, as well as the East Coast Railway, cancelled several trains while some were terminated midway, officials said, adding a few express trains were also diverted.

Train services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh also remained suspended since 10 pm Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall near Palasa in Srikakulam district, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 km per hour gusting to 165 km per hour between 4.30 am and 5.30 am.

The cyclonic storm system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and will weaken gradually, the IMD said.&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the cyclone caused widespread damage in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and threw normal life out of gear as heavy to very heavy rains lashed the two north coastal districts since late Wednesday night.

While a 62-year-old woman died at Gudivada Agraharam village after a tree fell on her, a 55-year-old man died in a house collapse at Rotanasa village in Srikakulam, the SDMA said.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office said the other six killed were fishermen who had ventured into the sea. 
Of the 67 fishing boats that had gone into the sea over the last few days from Kakinada in East Godavari district, 65 had returned to the shore safely, the CMO said.

The road network in Srikakulam district suffered extensive damage, while the power distribution network was also severely affected. More than 2,000 electric poles were uprooted.

The Eastern Power Distribution Company that caters to the electricity needs of the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, reported that the distribution system for 4,319 villages and six towns in Srikakulam district was affected.

In Odisha, the cyclonic storm led to very heavy rainfall mainly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts and caused minor damage to power supply and communication.

An eight-year-old boy drowned in a canal in the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, where five people were reported missing after being swept away in the flood waters.

Ganjam Collector Kulange Vijay Amruta said the five people, including two women and two children, were swept away by flood water while returning home from a cyclone shelter in Sorada.

As the cyclone triggered heavy downpour after crossing the Odisha coast, fear of flood gripped many areas as the major rivers in the state's southern region are rising menacingly, prompting the state government to launch a fresh evacuation. 
In all, eight districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore -- were affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

Officials said southern Odisha districts like Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada were pounded by incessant rains since Wednesday, leading the water levels of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers to rise.

While vast areas were inundated in south Odisha districts, reports of flash flood poured in from various parts, they said.

The state government on Wednesday evacuated over three lakh people to safe places. The evacuees were housed in 1,112 shelters.

Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, Sethi said.

Gajapati district was the worst affected in Odisha. It received 228.4 mm rainfall triggering flood scare, the SRC said.

Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said with the Bansadhara and Rusikulya rivers rising, the Odisha government is taking measures to avoid a flood.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, Bolangir, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Balasore districts till Friday.

Power supply and telephone links got disrupted, and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places in Gajapati district, Sethi said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation and instructed officials to expedite restoration efforts once the situation improves.

"The chief minister gave instruction to send two more teams of NDRF to Gajapati where extensive damage has been caused to roads, hutments, electric and telephone poles," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said.

Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed in affected areas along with fire brigade personnel.

According to East Coast Railway CPRO, J P Mishra, some railway station buildings were damaged at a few places, including in Palasa. Signal poles and overhead electric masts were damaged at places between Palasa and Kottabomali stations.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and assured them all possible help to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Titli.

"Spoke to Shri @ncbn Ji and Shri @Naveen_Odisha Ji regarding the situation arising due to cyclone related conditions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Assured all possible help from the Centre," the prime minister tweeted.

He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the cyclone.&nbsp;

The cyclone packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.&nbsp;

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states. Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern coast early Thursday, wreaking havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha's Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway was hit after uprooted trees blocked some sections of the road. The South Central Railway, as well as the East Coast Railway, cancelled several trains while some were terminated midway, officials said, adding a few express trains were also diverted. Train services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh also remained suspended since 10 pm Wednesday. According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall near Palasa in Srikakulam district, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 km per hour gusting to 165 km per hour between 4.30 am and 5.30 am. The cyclonic storm system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and will weaken gradually, the IMD said. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the cyclone caused widespread damage in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and threw normal life out of gear as heavy to very heavy rains lashed the two north coastal districts since late Wednesday night. While a 62-year-old woman died at Gudivada Agraharam village after a tree fell on her, a 55-year-old man died in a house collapse at Rotanasa village in Srikakulam, the SDMA said. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office said the other six killed were fishermen who had ventured into the sea. Of the 67 fishing boats that had gone into the sea over the last few days from Kakinada in East Godavari district, 65 had returned to the shore safely, the CMO said. The road network in Srikakulam district suffered extensive damage, while the power distribution network was also severely affected. More than 2,000 electric poles were uprooted. The Eastern Power Distribution Company that caters to the electricity needs of the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, reported that the distribution system for 4,319 villages and six towns in Srikakulam district was affected. In Odisha, the cyclonic storm led to very heavy rainfall mainly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts and caused minor damage to power supply and communication. An eight-year-old boy drowned in a canal in the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, where five people were reported missing after being swept away in the flood waters. Ganjam Collector Kulange Vijay Amruta said the five people, including two women and two children, were swept away by flood water while returning home from a cyclone shelter in Sorada. As the cyclone triggered heavy downpour after crossing the Odisha coast, fear of flood gripped many areas as the major rivers in the state's southern region are rising menacingly, prompting the state government to launch a fresh evacuation. In all, eight districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore -- were affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. Officials said southern Odisha districts like Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada were pounded by incessant rains since Wednesday, leading the water levels of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers to rise. While vast areas were inundated in south Odisha districts, reports of flash flood poured in from various parts, they said. The state government on Wednesday evacuated over three lakh people to safe places. The evacuees were housed in 1,112 shelters. Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, Sethi said. Gajapati district was the worst affected in Odisha. It received 228.4 mm rainfall triggering flood scare, the SRC said. Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said with the Bansadhara and Rusikulya rivers rising, the Odisha government is taking measures to avoid a flood. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, Bolangir, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Balasore districts till Friday. Power supply and telephone links got disrupted, and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places in Gajapati district, Sethi said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation and instructed officials to expedite restoration efforts once the situation improves. "The chief minister gave instruction to send two more teams of NDRF to Gajapati where extensive damage has been caused to roads, hutments, electric and telephone poles," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said. Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed in affected areas along with fire brigade personnel. According to East Coast Railway CPRO, J P Mishra, some railway station buildings were damaged at a few places, including in Palasa. Signal poles and overhead electric masts were damaged at places between Palasa and Kottabomali stations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and assured them all possible help to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Titli. "Spoke to Shri @ncbn Ji and Shri @Naveen_Odisha Ji regarding the situation arising due to cyclone related conditions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Assured all possible help from the Centre," the prime minister tweeted. He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the cyclone. The cyclone packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

Cyclone Titli: PM Modi assures help as 8 die in Andhra Pradesh, one in Odisha

The 'very severe cyclonic storm', Titli, which made landfall near Gopalpur district in Odisha this morning will weaken gradually and is expected to turn into a "deep depression" by Friday morning, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.

"It (cyclone Titli) is very likely to move northwestwards for next 12 hours and then re-curve northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha. It is very likely to weaken gradually becoming severe cyclonic storm around noon, cyclonic storm around evening of today and a deep depression by morning of tomorrow, October 12, 2018," IMD stated.

Earlier on Thursday, Odisha's Gopalpur and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported surface wind speed of 126 kmph at 04:30 am and 59 kmph at 03:30 am respectively. The cyclonic storm caused ''heavy to very heavy rainfall'' in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha.

Damage of thatched and asbestos house, street lights, roads blockage due to falling of trees, has been reported in Ganjam district. Further, minor damage to power and communication has also been reported in the district.

Meanwhile, 13 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in several districts of Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Jagatsingjpur, Balasore, Jajpur, Khurdha and Sambalpur.Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has also deployed its teams in nine districts--Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Cuttack, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Boudh and Kalahandi.

Fire services team are also on alert to respond at short notice of the district administration. Several preparedness measures have also been taken to ward off any untoward situations.

A total of 30 District Emergency Operation Centres have been activated to track and respond to the cyclonic storm effectively.

300 Powerboats of Special Relief Organisation have been kept ready for relief operation while 879 multi-purpose cyclone or flood shelters have been kept in readiness for sheltering people to be evacuated.

Meanwhile, all government officials have been directed to stay in headquarters and not to avail leave. All schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres will also remain closed till October 12.

As of now, around 3,00,000 people have been evacuated and 1112 relief camps have been opened for the evacuees in the shelters. The situation is being closely monitored at different levels.&nbsp;

The 'very severe cyclonic storm', Titli, which made landfall near Gopalpur district in Odisha this morning will weaken gradually and is expected to turn into a "deep depression" by Friday morning, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.

The 'very severe cyclonic storm', Titli, which made landfall near Gopalpur district in Odisha this morning will weaken gradually and is expected to turn into a "deep depression" by Friday morning, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. "It (cyclone Titli) is very likely to move northwestwards for next 12 hours and then re-curve northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha. It is very likely to weaken gradually becoming severe cyclonic storm around noon, cyclonic storm around evening of today and a deep depression by morning of tomorrow, October 12, 2018," IMD stated. Earlier on Thursday, Odisha's Gopalpur and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported surface wind speed of 126 kmph at 04:30 am and 59 kmph at 03:30 am respectively. The cyclonic storm caused ''heavy to very heavy rainfall'' in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha. Damage of thatched and asbestos house, street lights, roads blockage due to falling of trees, has been reported in Ganjam district. Further, minor damage to power and communication has also been reported in the district. Meanwhile, 13 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in several districts of Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Jagatsingjpur, Balasore, Jajpur, Khurdha and Sambalpur.Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has also deployed its teams in nine districts--Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Cuttack, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Boudh and Kalahandi. Fire services team are also on alert to respond at short notice of the district administration. Several preparedness measures have also been taken to ward off any untoward situations. A total of 30 District Emergency Operation Centres have been activated to track and respond to the cyclonic storm effectively. 300 Powerboats of Special Relief Organisation have been kept ready for relief operation while 879 multi-purpose cyclone or flood shelters have been kept in readiness for sheltering people to be evacuated. Meanwhile, all government officials have been directed to stay in headquarters and not to avail leave. All schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres will also remain closed till October 12. As of now, around 3,00,000 people have been evacuated and 1112 relief camps have been opened for the evacuees in the shelters. The situation is being closely monitored at different levels.

Cyclone Titli to weaken gradually with time: IMD

Cyclone Titli uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged hutments in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts after making <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">landfall</a> early Thursday morning, but no loss of life was reported from any part of the state, officials said.

The cyclone also triggered heavy rainfall in at least three districts and caused minor damage to power and communication.

"There has been no major damage or report of casualty received from any part of the state so far. Some destruction was reported from Ganjam and Gajapati districts," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

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.

In all, eight districts - Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore - have been affected by "very severe cyclone Titli", he said.

Cyclone 'Titli' triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha, while damage of hutments and asbestos-roofed houses, street lights, road blockade due to uprooted trees were reported from Ganjam.

Road communication between Paralakhemundi and Mohana and some other block headquarters in Gajapati had been disrupted under the impact of the cyclone, he said.

In Ganjam, reports of damage to hutments and other structures and uprooting of trees were received from some areas, he said.

The latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) report said cyclone 'Titli made the landfall between 4.30 and 5.30 am in south-west coast of Gopalpur near Palasa in Andhra Pradesh with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 kmph gusting to 165 kmph.

The landfall process has been completed and "the centre of eye of cyclone 'Titli' lies over the land," the IMD said.

The system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and it will weaken gradually, it said.

An hour after the landfall, Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface wind at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph.

As cyclone 'Titli' entered the land mass, some districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri, are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high speed wind.

Director of Meteorological (MeT) Centre Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said the "very severe cyclonic storm" (VSCS) is being monitored by the coastal

Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip.

As part of its pre-cyclone preparedness, the Odisha government has evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low-lying areas of the five coastal districts ahead of the landfall.

They were accommodated in 1,112 cyclone shelters.

Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, the SRC said.

He said 13 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed at several places along with fire brigade.&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged hutments in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts after making landfall early Thursday morning, but no loss of life was reported from any part of the state, officials said.

Cyclone Titli uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged hutments in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts after making landfall early Thursday morning, but no loss of life was reported from any part of the state, officials said. The cyclone also triggered heavy rainfall in at least three districts and caused minor damage to power and communication. "There has been no major damage or report of casualty received from any part of the state so far. Some destruction was reported from Ganjam and Gajapati districts," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. 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. In all, eight districts - Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore - have been affected by "very severe cyclone Titli", he said. Cyclone 'Titli' triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha, while damage of hutments and asbestos-roofed houses, street lights, road blockade due to uprooted trees were reported from Ganjam. Road communication between Paralakhemundi and Mohana and some other block headquarters in Gajapati had been disrupted under the impact of the cyclone, he said. In Ganjam, reports of damage to hutments and other structures and uprooting of trees were received from some areas, he said. The latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) report said cyclone 'Titli made the landfall between 4.30 and 5.30 am in south-west coast of Gopalpur near Palasa in Andhra Pradesh with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 kmph gusting to 165 kmph. The landfall process has been completed and "the centre of eye of cyclone 'Titli' lies over the land," the IMD said. The system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and it will weaken gradually, it said. An hour after the landfall, Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface wind at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph. As cyclone 'Titli' entered the land mass, some districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri, are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high speed wind. Director of Meteorological (MeT) Centre Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said the "very severe cyclonic storm" (VSCS) is being monitored by the coastal Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip. As part of its pre-cyclone preparedness, the Odisha government has evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low-lying areas of the five coastal districts ahead of the landfall. They were accommodated in 1,112 cyclone shelters. Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, the SRC said. He said 13 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed at several places along with fire brigade.

Cyclone Titli crosses Odisha coast, no casualties reported

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">' makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur</a>

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">Freely chose Reliance for Rafale deal: Dassault Aviation issues </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">clarification</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">&nbsp;</a>

Dassault Aviation on Thursday clarified stating it freely chose the Reliance Group for the Rafale deal, news agency ANI reported. It also called Reliance a vital part of the deal noting that the deal came as a trade-off.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-no-more-us-reconstruction-aid-to-syria-if-iran-stays-170756">Pompeo says no more US reconstruction aid to Syria if Iranian troops stay</a>

The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/floods-kill-at-least-ten-on-the-spanish-island-of-mallorca-170753">Floods kill at least ten on Spanish island of Mallorca</a>

At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-declared-absconder-in-directorate-of-revenue-intelligence-case-170762">Nirav Modi declared absconder in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case</a>

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone 'Titli' makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone 'Titli' makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Freely chose Reliance for Rafale deal: Dassault Aviation issues clarification Dassault Aviation on Thursday clarified stating it freely chose the Reliance Group for the Rafale deal, news agency ANI reported. It also called Reliance a vital part of the deal noting that the deal came as a trade-off. Pompeo says no more US reconstruction aid to Syria if Iranian troops stay The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday. Floods kill at least ten on Spanish island of Mallorca At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday. Nirav Modi declared absconder in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

News agency ANI reported cyclone 'Titli' moving at a speed of 140-150 km per hour. "Odisha's Gopalpur reported 102 km per hour and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported 56 km per hour surface wind speed."

"The process of landfall has started and it will completely cross the Odisha coast in one or two hours. The system will pass close to Gopalpur," H R Biswas, Director of Metereological Centre, Bhubaneswar, told PTI.

The IMD said, "The forward sector of the eye of the storm has been entering into the land mass."

While Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface winds at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph.

As the landfall process started, at least five districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khurda and Jagatsinghpur are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high-speed winds under the impact of Titli.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TitliCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TitliCyclone</a> makes landfall in Gopalpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/x49MsPkU9U">pic.twitter.com/x49MsPkU9U</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050186599034703872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Biswas said the very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS), 'Titli', is being monitored by the coastal Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip.

The latest observations indicate that 'Titli', over west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 19 kmph during the past six hours.

After the landfall, the system is very likely to re-curve gradually northeastwards, move towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and weaken gradually.

Reports of trees, electric poles getting uprooted and damages to kuchha houses were reported, officials said, adding that road communication in some places, including Gopalpur and Berhampur, was snapped.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Ganjam's Gopalpur after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TitliCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TitliCyclone</a> made landfall in the region at 5:30 am today. 10,000 people from low lying areas had been evacuated to govt shelters till last night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEYog0DNe7">pic.twitter.com/HEYog0DNe7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050193758279671808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has geared up its machinery to tackle the situation. The state government has already evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low lying areas and kuchha houses ahead of the landfall in five coastal districts.

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. News agency ANI reported cyclone 'Titli' moving at a speed of 140-150 km per hour. "Odisha's Gopalpur reported 102 km per hour and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported 56 km per hour surface wind speed." "The process of landfall has started and it will completely cross the Odisha coast in one or two hours. The system will pass close to Gopalpur," H R Biswas, Director of Metereological Centre, Bhubaneswar, told PTI. The IMD said, "The forward sector of the eye of the storm has been entering into the land mass." While Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface winds at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph. As the landfall process started, at least five districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khurda and Jagatsinghpur are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high-speed winds under the impact of Titli. #WATCH: #TitliCyclone makes landfall in Gopalpur. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/x49MsPkU9U — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Biswas said the very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS), 'Titli', is being monitored by the coastal Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip. The latest observations indicate that 'Titli', over west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 19 kmph during the past six hours. After the landfall, the system is very likely to re-curve gradually northeastwards, move towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and weaken gradually. Reports of trees, electric poles getting uprooted and damages to kuchha houses were reported, officials said, adding that road communication in some places, including Gopalpur and Berhampur, was snapped. #Visuals from Ganjam's Gopalpur after #TitliCyclone made landfall in the region at 5:30 am today. 10,000 people from low lying areas had been evacuated to govt shelters till last night. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/HEYog0DNe7 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Odisha government has geared up its machinery to tackle the situation. The state government has already evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low lying areas and kuchha houses ahead of the landfall in five coastal districts.

Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone Titli makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur

In pics: Odisha braves 'very severe' cyclone Titli

Cyclone ‘Titli’ makes landfall in India’s eastern coast

East Coast Railway today cancelled at least eight trains and suspended services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Titli.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Also Read:&nbsp;Severe cyclonic storm '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">wind</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648"> speed of 145 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">kmph</a>

Long distance trains slated to pass through East Coast Railway jurisdiction between Khurda Road and Vizianagaram on Howrah-Chennai main line may be diverted via Kharagpur-Jharsuguda-Nagpur-Balharshah-Vijayawada route, Railway spokesman &nbsp;Sanjay Ghosh said.

The cyclone which is expected to make landfall between coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is set to bring heavy rainfall in the Gangetic West Bengal until Friday, the weather department warned.

The Met office said Cyclone Titli is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam by Thursday morning.

The cyclone is set to affect large areas stretching from East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, South and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has warned tourists including fishermen not to venture into the sea at Digha, Sankarpur, Mandarmani and other coastal areas.

The Met department said gale wind speed reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting to 125 kmph, will prevail over deep sea areas of west-central and north Bay of Bengal and will gradually increase to 120 to 130 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph, from Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Odisha government began evacuating at least two lakh people in coastal districts of the state as Cyclone Titli intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and inched towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast.

The Met office warned that widespread damage could occur in low-lying areas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh

The cyclone is likely to inundate low-lying areas in Srikakulam district with a National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) team stationed in the area, including in Visakhapatnam.

East Coast Railway today cancelled at least eight trains and suspended services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Titli.

East Coast Railway today cancelled at least eight trains and suspended services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Titli. Also Read: Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh at wind speed of 145 kmph Long distance trains slated to pass through East Coast Railway jurisdiction between Khurda Road and Vizianagaram on Howrah-Chennai main line may be diverted via Kharagpur-Jharsuguda-Nagpur-Balharshah-Vijayawada route, Railway spokesman Sanjay Ghosh said. The cyclone which is expected to make landfall between coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is set to bring heavy rainfall in the Gangetic West Bengal until Friday, the weather department warned. The Met office said Cyclone Titli is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam by Thursday morning. The cyclone is set to affect large areas stretching from East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, South and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has warned tourists including fishermen not to venture into the sea at Digha, Sankarpur, Mandarmani and other coastal areas. The Met department said gale wind speed reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting to 125 kmph, will prevail over deep sea areas of west-central and north Bay of Bengal and will gradually increase to 120 to 130 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph, from Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Odisha government began evacuating at least two lakh people in coastal districts of the state as Cyclone Titli intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and inched towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. The Met office warned that widespread damage could occur in low-lying areas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh The cyclone is likely to inundate low-lying areas in Srikakulam district with a National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) team stationed in the area, including in Visakhapatnam.

Odisha evacuates 2 lakh people; several trains cancelled ahead of Cyclone Titli

Cyclone Titli intensifies along India’s eastern coast

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said today Cyclone Titli was gaining strength in Bay of Bengal as the Odisha government braced for the situation promising "zero casualties".

Odisha has&nbsp;asked people in low-lying areas to evacuate. The cyclone is likely to intensify into a severe storm during the next 24 hours in West Bengal, the Met department warned.&nbsp;

The IMD has forecast wind speed to be 100 to 110 kmph with gusts upto 125 kmph. The IMD&nbsp;also mentioned that the Cyclone Titli will further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday.

"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 said.

The Meteorological department has sounded a red alert in Odisha forecasting "heavy to very heavy rainfall" to "extremely heavy rainfall" in the state.

The Odisha government has declared schools and colleges to be closed from Wednesday in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri and Jagtsinghpur.

The storm is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around morning of October 11. The cyclone is likely to make landfall in Odisha early on Thursday morning.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said today Cyclone Titli was gaining strength in Bay of Bengal as the Odisha government braced for the situation promising "zero casualties".

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said today Cyclone Titli was gaining strength in Bay of Bengal as the Odisha government braced for the situation promising "zero casualties". Odisha has asked people in low-lying areas to evacuate. The cyclone is likely to intensify into a severe storm during the next 24 hours in West Bengal, the Met department warned. The IMD has forecast wind speed to be 100 to 110 kmph with gusts upto 125 kmph. The IMD also mentioned that the Cyclone Titli will further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday. "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 said. The Meteorological department has sounded a red alert in Odisha forecasting "heavy to very heavy rainfall" to "extremely heavy rainfall" in the state. The Odisha government has declared schools and colleges to be closed from Wednesday in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri and Jagtsinghpur. The storm is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around morning of October 11. The cyclone is likely to make landfall in Odisha early on Thursday morning.

Meteorological department sounds red alert in Odisha over Cyclone Titli

cyclone-titli

Cyclone Titli, News on Cyclone Titli, stories on Cyclone Titli, articles on Cyclone Titli, Cyclone Titli stories at Wion, Cyclone Titli news, Cyclone Titli latest news

cyclone titli