<p>The death toll in Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods has mounted to 57, including 10 children, while loss suffered due to the calamity has been pegged at over Rs 2,200 crore, the Odisha government said Wednesday.</p>

<p>The government, earlier in the day, had confirmed 52 deaths due to the calamity that ravaged many parts of the state, mainly the southern region, last week.</p>

<p>Ten people were missing following landslides in Gajapati district and a clearer picture would emerge once information about them is obtained, Chief Secretary A P Padhi said here, after a review meeting with officials.</p>

<p>The state government has information of about 57 deaths from various affected areas so far, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.</p>

<p>He added the casualties mainly resulted from incidents like landslides, wall collapses and drowning.</p>

<p>While 39 deaths were reported from "worst-affected Gajapati district", 12 casualties were reported from Ganjam district and two from Kandhamal district, Sethi said.</p>

<p>Four persons -- one each from Cuttack, Angul, Keonjhar and Nayagarh districts -- were killed during the disaster, he said.</p>

<p>The dead included 10 children and 19 women, said an official.</p>

<p>"As per preliminary assessment, the loss suffered in different sectors, including infrastructure and agriculture, was estimated at around Rs 2,200 crore. It will take a day or two to get a full report on the total loss incurred due to the disaster," Sethi said.</p>

<p>Noting that restoration and relief work was in progress across the state, the chief secretary said, "95 per cent of the damaged roads have been repaired."</p>

<p>"Almost all thoroughfares have been repaired and power and drinking water supply restored in the urban areas. In rural areas, work is still in progress to bring back normalcy," Padhi added.</p>

<p>He said medical teams were visiting the affected areas and no major health issue has cropped anywhere until now.</p>

<p>The relief material has reached all panchayat areas for distribution among the affected people, Padhi added.</p>

<p>A senior government official said restoration and relief operations were being carried out by using the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).</p>

<p>The state will approach the Centre for necessary assistance after "exact assessment" of the damages, he said.</p>

<p>As many as 16 of the 30 districts of the state were ravaged by heavy rain and floods following the landfall of Cyclone Titli last Thursday near Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.&nbsp;</p>


The death toll in Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods has mounted to 57, including 10 children, while loss suffered due to the calamity has been pegged at over Rs 2,200 crore, the Odisha government said Wednesday.

The death toll in Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods has mounted to 57, including 10 children, while loss suffered due to the calamity has been pegged at over Rs 2,200 crore, the Odisha government said Wednesday. The government, earlier in the day, had confirmed 52 deaths due to the calamity that ravaged many parts of the state, mainly the southern region, last week. Ten people were missing following landslides in Gajapati district and a clearer picture would emerge once information about them is obtained, Chief Secretary A P Padhi said here, after a review meeting with officials. The state government has information of about 57 deaths from various affected areas so far, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. He added the casualties mainly resulted from incidents like landslides, wall collapses and drowning. While 39 deaths were reported from "worst-affected Gajapati district", 12 casualties were reported from Ganjam district and two from Kandhamal district, Sethi said. Four persons -- one each from Cuttack, Angul, Keonjhar and Nayagarh districts -- were killed during the disaster, he said. The dead included 10 children and 19 women, said an official. "As per preliminary assessment, the loss suffered in different sectors, including infrastructure and agriculture, was estimated at around Rs 2,200 crore. It will take a day or two to get a full report on the total loss incurred due to the disaster," Sethi said. Noting that restoration and relief work was in progress across the state, the chief secretary said, "95 per cent of the damaged roads have been repaired." "Almost all thoroughfares have been repaired and power and drinking water supply restored in the urban areas. In rural areas, work is still in progress to bring back normalcy," Padhi added. He said medical teams were visiting the affected areas and no major health issue has cropped anywhere until now. The relief material has reached all panchayat areas for distribution among the affected people, Padhi added. A senior government official said restoration and relief operations were being carried out by using the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The state will approach the Centre for necessary assistance after "exact assessment" of the damages, he said. As many as 16 of the 30 districts of the state were ravaged by heavy rain and floods following the landfall of Cyclone Titli last Thursday near Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.

Toll in cyclone-hit Odisha rises to 57, relief work on: Government

<p><strong>By J Brian Houston and Jennifer M First</strong></p>

<p><br />
When major disasters hit, the first priority is to keep people safe. This process can involve dramatic evacuations, rescues and searches.</p>

<p>However, after the initial emergency passes, a much longer process of recovering and rebuilding begins. For individuals, families and communities, this can last months or even years. This work often begins at the same time as the national media starts packing up and public attention shifts to the next major news story.</p>

<p>At the University of Missouri’s Disaster and Community Crisis Center, we study disaster recovery, rebuilding and resilience. Much of our research shows that natural disasters can have a meaningful impact on survivors’ mental and behavioural health. These issues typically emerge as people try to recover and move forward after the devastation.</p>

<p><strong>Health and disasters</strong><br />
<br />
Immediately after a natural disaster, it’s normal to experience fear, anxiety, sadness or shock. However, if these symptoms continue for weeks to months following the event, they may indicate a more serious psychological issue.</p>

<p>The disaster mental health problem most commonly studied by psychologists and psychiatrists is post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after frightening events that threaten one’s own life and the lives for family and friends.</p>

<p>Following a disaster, people might lose their jobs or be displaced from their homes. This can contribute to depression, particularly as survivors attempt to cope with loss related to the disaster. It’s not easy to lose sentimental possessions or face economic uncertainties. People facing these challenges can feel hopeless or in despair.</p>

<p>Substance use can increase following disasters, but usually only for individuals who already used tobacco, alcohol or drugs before the disaster. In a study of Hurricane Katrina survivors who had been displaced to Houston, Texas, approximately one-third reported increasing their tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use after the storm.</p>

<p>There’s also evidence that domestic violence increases in communities experiencing a disaster. After Hurricane Katrina, another study found that, among women in Mississippi who were displaced from their homes, domestic violence rates increased dramatically. Perpetrators may feel a loss of control following the disaster and turn to abusive behaviour to try to gain that control back in their personal relationships.</p>

<p><strong>Disaster recovery</strong><br />
<br />
While many disaster survivors show resilience, studies have shown mental and behavioural health issues cropping up weeks, months and even years after a disaster.</p>

<p>Rebuilding can be a long process, with a series of ups and downs. Survivors may bounce back after a few months, or they may experience ongoing stressors, such as financial issues or problems finding permanent housing. Disaster anniversaries or other reminders – like a heavy rainstorm months after a hurricane – may also trigger reactions.</p>

<p>In addition, early disaster recovery efforts often focus on physical reconstruction. Psychological recovery may end up on the back burner.</p>

<p>Individuals and organizations working to help disaster survivors need to remember that disasters can affect many aspects of survivors’ lives. As a result, several different community systems need to be working together as part of recovery efforts.</p>

<p>Researchers sometimes call the multi-agency disaster response and recovery network that is needed to help individuals cope with a disaster a &nbsp;“system of care.” A disaster system of care will include disaster groups like FEMA and Red Cross. It should also involve agencies representing public health, mental health, schools, local government, social services, local businesses and workforce development, faith-based organizations and local media.</p>

<p>For example, combating domestic violence after a disaster will require collaboration among disaster organizations, domestic violence groups, law enforcement, local media and more. Resources intended to help women and families experiencing domestic violence – such as legal aid or transportation assistance – should be included in disaster response programs.</p>

<p>Communities should also help disaster survivors get reconnected: to their friends and family, to new people in the community and to the place they may be temporarily staying while displaced. Social capital and support may be the most important resources for individuals coping with disasters. Community events, such as neighbourhood dinners, might help foster connections. Social media platforms can help bring together neighbours who are displaced and waiting to return home.</p>

<p>Finally, a variety of mental health interventions – such as psychological first aid, crisis counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy – can help those who have experienced a disaster. These programs can be delivered through many community systems, including mental health agencies, schools and more.</p>

<p>If you’re in the US and seeking help, a free Disaster Distress Helpline is available for disaster survivors.</p>

<p><em>(J Brian Houston is Associate Professor of Communication and Public Health, University of Missouri-Columbia; Jennifer M First&nbsp;Disaster Mental Health Program Manager, Disaster and Community Crisis Center, University of Missouri-Columbia)</em></p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-mental-health-impact-of-disasters-like-michael-irma-or-maria-83764">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


By J Brian Houston and Jennifer M First When major disasters hit, the first priority is to keep people safe. This process can involve dramatic evacuations, rescues and searches.

By J Brian Houston and Jennifer M First When major disasters hit, the first priority is to keep people safe. This process can involve dramatic evacuations, rescues and searches. However, after the initial emergency passes, a much longer process of recovering and rebuilding begins. For individuals, families and communities, this can last months or even years. This work often begins at the same time as the national media starts packing up and public attention shifts to the next major news story. At the University of Missouri’s Disaster and Community Crisis Center, we study disaster recovery, rebuilding and resilience. Much of our research shows that natural disasters can have a meaningful impact on survivors’ mental and behavioural health. These issues typically emerge as people try to recover and move forward after the devastation. Health and disasters Immediately after a natural disaster, it’s normal to experience fear, anxiety, sadness or shock. However, if these symptoms continue for weeks to months following the event, they may indicate a more serious psychological issue. The disaster mental health problem most commonly studied by psychologists and psychiatrists is post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after frightening events that threaten one’s own life and the lives for family and friends. Following a disaster, people might lose their jobs or be displaced from their homes. This can contribute to depression, particularly as survivors attempt to cope with loss related to the disaster. It’s not easy to lose sentimental possessions or face economic uncertainties. People facing these challenges can feel hopeless or in despair. Substance use can increase following disasters, but usually only for individuals who already used tobacco, alcohol or drugs before the disaster. In a study of Hurricane Katrina survivors who had been displaced to Houston, Texas, approximately one-third reported increasing their tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use after the storm. There’s also evidence that domestic violence increases in communities experiencing a disaster. After Hurricane Katrina, another study found that, among women in Mississippi who were displaced from their homes, domestic violence rates increased dramatically. Perpetrators may feel a loss of control following the disaster and turn to abusive behaviour to try to gain that control back in their personal relationships. Disaster recovery While many disaster survivors show resilience, studies have shown mental and behavioural health issues cropping up weeks, months and even years after a disaster. Rebuilding can be a long process, with a series of ups and downs. Survivors may bounce back after a few months, or they may experience ongoing stressors, such as financial issues or problems finding permanent housing. Disaster anniversaries or other reminders – like a heavy rainstorm months after a hurricane – may also trigger reactions. In addition, early disaster recovery efforts often focus on physical reconstruction. Psychological recovery may end up on the back burner. Individuals and organizations working to help disaster survivors need to remember that disasters can affect many aspects of survivors’ lives. As a result, several different community systems need to be working together as part of recovery efforts. Researchers sometimes call the multi-agency disaster response and recovery network that is needed to help individuals cope with a disaster a “system of care.” A disaster system of care will include disaster groups like FEMA and Red Cross. It should also involve agencies representing public health, mental health, schools, local government, social services, local businesses and workforce development, faith-based organizations and local media. For example, combating domestic violence after a disaster will require collaboration among disaster organizations, domestic violence groups, law enforcement, local media and more. Resources intended to help women and families experiencing domestic violence – such as legal aid or transportation assistance – should be included in disaster response programs. Communities should also help disaster survivors get reconnected: to their friends and family, to new people in the community and to the place they may be temporarily staying while displaced. Social capital and support may be the most important resources for individuals coping with disasters. Community events, such as neighbourhood dinners, might help foster connections. Social media platforms can help bring together neighbours who are displaced and waiting to return home. Finally, a variety of mental health interventions – such as psychological first aid, crisis counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy – can help those who have experienced a disaster. These programs can be delivered through many community systems, including mental health agencies, schools and more. If you’re in the US and seeking help, a free Disaster Distress Helpline is available for disaster survivors. (J Brian Houston is Associate Professor of Communication and Public Health, University of Missouri-Columbia; Jennifer M First Disaster Mental Health Program Manager, Disaster and Community Crisis Center, University of Missouri-Columbia) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The mental health impact of disasters like Hurricane Michael or Irma

<p>An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives due to landslide in Odisha's Mahendragiri hills on October 11.</p>

<p>"Electricity restoration work is near completion and water supply has been resumed in Ganjam district. Due to the cyclone and rainfall, 2.13 lakh hectares of crop area has been damaged in Odisha. We have received reports that landslide in Mahendragiri hills claimed 15 lives. We will sanction Rs 4 lakh for the kin of deceased after we get report from the district officer," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi told ANI.</p>

<p>As per information, amidst cyclone, at least 16 to 18 persons of five families including women and children were shifted in a school building situated adjacent to the Mahendragiri Hill.</p>

<p>While families successfully passed cyclone Titli, a portion of the hill, which had weakened due to heavy rain, fell on the school building, claiming 15 lives.</p>

<p>Cyclone Titli has now weakened into `deep depression`.</p>

<p>The cyclone has also claimed eight lives in Andhra Pradesh and is estimated to have caused a loss of property and infrastructure worth Rs 2800 crore in the state.&nbsp;</p>


An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives due to landslide in Odisha's Mahendragiri hills on October 11. "Electricity restoration work is near completion and water supply has been resumed in Ganjam district.

An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives due to landslide in Odisha's Mahendragiri hills on October 11. "Electricity restoration work is near completion and water supply has been resumed in Ganjam district. Due to the cyclone and rainfall, 2.13 lakh hectares of crop area has been damaged in Odisha. We have received reports that landslide in Mahendragiri hills claimed 15 lives. We will sanction Rs 4 lakh for the kin of deceased after we get report from the district officer," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi told ANI. As per information, amidst cyclone, at least 16 to 18 persons of five families including women and children were shifted in a school building situated adjacent to the Mahendragiri Hill. While families successfully passed cyclone Titli, a portion of the hill, which had weakened due to heavy rain, fell on the school building, claiming 15 lives. Cyclone Titli has now weakened into `deep depression`. The cyclone has also claimed eight lives in Andhra Pradesh and is estimated to have caused a loss of property and infrastructure worth Rs 2800 crore in the state.

Cyclone Titli: Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for kin of Gajapati landslide victims

<p>Undeniably, this year has been marred by and fraught with natural disasters and calamities all across the globe. From the destructive deluge that hit the south Indian state of Kerala, wildfires that scorched Europe and America, to quakes, cyclones, heat-waves, droughts, typhoons and the recent Indonesian quake-tsunami disaster; almost every continent had some climatic mishap happening this year and it doesn’t seem to stop.</p>

<p>This year’s extreme climatic upheavals got many to think about climate change, global warming and the large-scale environmental imbalances. Thousands and hundreds of people have lost their lives in climate-related disasters all across the globe, millions of dollars have been wasted to grapple with the aftermath. A UN report claims that India, in the last two decades, has lost around <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lost-795-billion-from-climate-related-disasters-in-20-years-un-report-170812">$79.5 billion from climate-related disasters</a>.</p>

<p>The question remains, can you and I still take baby steps towards reversing the damage? Is it possible to put the environmental imbalance back into equilibrium? Will our individual effort matter?</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<h5>Experts suggest that the pace at which the West is consuming meat, it will only throw the ecological chain off balance</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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<p>Earlier this week, another report on climate change, published in the journal Nature, proposed slashing global meat consumption to mitigate climatic disasters.</p>

<p>Experts suggest that the pace at which the West is consuming meat, it will only throw the ecological chain off balance, and in order to ensure that the planet is able to support and sustain 10 billion people by 2050, the West has to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-must-slash-meat-consumption-to-save-climate-study-170772">cut down on its meat intake by a whopping 90 per cent</a>. The report further warned that the damaging effects of the food industry will escalate by nearly 90 per cent by mid-century.</p>

<p>Food production -- which produces damaging greenhouse gases from livestock, ruins enormous swathes of forests and uses unsustainable amounts of water -- is a major contributor to climate change, news agency AFP reported.</p>

<p>In addition, the livestock industry uses immense amounts of water -- 500 grammes (a pound) of beef is estimated to require close to 7,000 litres of water.</p>

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<h5>Experts call for a gradual, but eventual, shift toward plant-based diets.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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<p>Experts, therefore, call for a gradual, but eventual, shift toward plant-based diets for sustainability, better health and more secure future of mankind and global resources.</p>

<p>All aspects of human life must be towed toward attaining a balance, it becomes imperative to think at the microcosmic level and then see the larger picture to see how the smallest of changes help mend the situation at the global level.</p>

<p>Succinctly put, the problem will not be solved by getting meat eaters to suddenly switch to plant-based diets, it will happen only when each one of us pledges to make a conscious and consistent effort to depend less on our environment. You and I have to realize the price of natural resources and be mindful of how we use them while trying to conserve them.</p>

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<h5>Population explosion is another big factor; the number of humans on the planet has slowly begun to outpace the resources produced to meet the demand.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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<p>Population explosion is another big factor; the number of humans on the planet has slowly begun to outpace the resources produced to meet the demand. With an ever-expanding population, we will only need more resources, more place to live, more water, more vehicles, more burden on resources, greater loss of equilibrium, more pollution, leading to an increased burden on the environment – as a result, the climatic equation will only deplete, faster than ever imagined or estimated.</p>

<p>We need to act now before it gets too late. Maybe there is going to be no dramatic end to the world, no apocalypse or doomsday like in the time of the gigantic woolly mammoth or the dinosaurs. Maybe the planet won't come to an end after getting hit by a colossal asteroid.</p>

<p>It would not be wrong to imagine that you and I are already sitting on a ticking time-bomb, still having an option to avert the outcome and script a different end. Maybe, there will be no big bang, and as TS Eliot noted in his celebrated poem ‘The Hollow Men’ almost a century ago – it is possible for the world to end in just a whimper.</p>

<p>“<em>This is the way the world ends<br />
Not with a bang but a whimper</em>,” – ‘The Hollow Men,’ TS Eliot, 1925.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Undeniably, this year has been marred by and fraught with natural disasters and calamities all across the globe. From the destructive deluge that hit the south Indian state of Kerala, wildfires that scorched Europe and America, to quakes, cyclones, heat-waves, droughts, typhoons and the recent Indonesian quake-tsunami disaster; almost every continent had some climatic mishap happening this year and it doesn’t seem to stop.

Undeniably, this year has been marred by and fraught with natural disasters and calamities all across the globe. From the destructive deluge that hit the south Indian state of Kerala, wildfires that scorched Europe and America, to quakes, cyclones, heat-waves, droughts, typhoons and the recent Indonesian quake-tsunami disaster; almost every continent had some climatic mishap happening this year and it doesn’t seem to stop. This year’s extreme climatic upheavals got many to think about climate change, global warming and the large-scale environmental imbalances. Thousands and hundreds of people have lost their lives in climate-related disasters all across the globe, millions of dollars have been wasted to grapple with the aftermath. A UN report claims that India, in the last two decades, has lost around $79.5 billion from climate-related disasters. The question remains, can you and I still take baby steps towards reversing the damage? Is it possible to put the environmental imbalance back into equilibrium? Will our individual effort matter? Experts suggest that the pace at which the West is consuming meat, it will only throw the ecological chain off balance × Earlier this week, another report on climate change, published in the journal Nature, proposed slashing global meat consumption to mitigate climatic disasters. Experts suggest that the pace at which the West is consuming meat, it will only throw the ecological chain off balance, and in order to ensure that the planet is able to support and sustain 10 billion people by 2050, the West has to cut down on its meat intake by a whopping 90 per cent. The report further warned that the damaging effects of the food industry will escalate by nearly 90 per cent by mid-century. Food production -- which produces damaging greenhouse gases from livestock, ruins enormous swathes of forests and uses unsustainable amounts of water -- is a major contributor to climate change, news agency AFP reported. In addition, the livestock industry uses immense amounts of water -- 500 grammes (a pound) of beef is estimated to require close to 7,000 litres of water. Experts call for a gradual, but eventual, shift toward plant-based diets. × Experts, therefore, call for a gradual, but eventual, shift toward plant-based diets for sustainability, better health and more secure future of mankind and global resources. All aspects of human life must be towed toward attaining a balance, it becomes imperative to think at the microcosmic level and then see the larger picture to see how the smallest of changes help mend the situation at the global level. Succinctly put, the problem will not be solved by getting meat eaters to suddenly switch to plant-based diets, it will happen only when each one of us pledges to make a conscious and consistent effort to depend less on our environment. You and I have to realize the price of natural resources and be mindful of how we use them while trying to conserve them. Population explosion is another big factor; the number of humans on the planet has slowly begun to outpace the resources produced to meet the demand. × Population explosion is another big factor; the number of humans on the planet has slowly begun to outpace the resources produced to meet the demand. With an ever-expanding population, we will only need more resources, more place to live, more water, more vehicles, more burden on resources, greater loss of equilibrium, more pollution, leading to an increased burden on the environment – as a result, the climatic equation will only deplete, faster than ever imagined or estimated. We need to act now before it gets too late. Maybe there is going to be no dramatic end to the world, no apocalypse or doomsday like in the time of the gigantic woolly mammoth or the dinosaurs. Maybe the planet won't come to an end after getting hit by a colossal asteroid. It would not be wrong to imagine that you and I are already sitting on a ticking time-bomb, still having an option to avert the outcome and script a different end. Maybe, there will be no big bang, and as TS Eliot noted in his celebrated poem ‘The Hollow Men’ almost a century ago – it is possible for the world to end in just a whimper. “This is the way the world ends Not with a bang but a whimper,” – ‘The Hollow Men,’ TS Eliot, 1925.

A year fraught with natural disasters, quit turning blind eye to climate change

<p>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.</p>

<p>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</p>

<p>Paschim Medinipur district and uprooted trees along state highway number 5, holding up traffic, authorities in the two districts said.</p>

<p>Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram are witnessing incessant rain since Thursday night.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>In neighbouring Jhargram district, the storm caused mud houses and Durga Puja pandals to collapse in Rohinibazar, Sankrail and Jhargram block areas.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Heavy rain is likely in Kolkata, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur districts till Saturday, the Met department said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>One of the two bodies was that of a 40-year-old fisherman from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, police said.</p>

<p>The other body is that of a 45-year-old man of Bhuta Pankal village under Sorada block in Ganjam district.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>In Andhra Pradesh, eight lives were snuffed out by the storm on Thursday.</p>

<p>The Odisha government is, however, yet to confirm the deaths.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said people in Balasore district were also affected by the flood.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>He constituted a three-member ministerial committee to visit the three worst-affected districts to monitor rescue and relief operation.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Low-lying areas in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and the pilgrim town of Puri were also waterlogged due to rains.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>Naidu said the cost of damaged properties, crops and infrastructure has tentatively worked out to be Rs 2,800 crore.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>In all, 290 km of roads were damaged along with 8,962 houses, 80 minor irrigation sources and 16 rural water supply tanks.</p>

<p>The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) suffered damage to its infrastructure in Srikakulam district that bore the brunt of the cyclone, the release said.<br />
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.</p>

<p>Banana plantations in 2,424 hectares were also damaged.&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal.</p>

<p>A red message has been issued over the formation of a very severe cyclonic storm, ‘LUBAN’, over west-central Arabian Sea. The MeT department, Bhubaneswar has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm Titli.</p>

<p>Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-to-move-towards-odisha-andhra-on-thursday-imd-170547">move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh</a> coasts on October 11.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Severe Cyclonic Storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Titli</a> over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh &amp; south Odisha coasts: Red Message. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘LUBAN’ over westcentral Arabian Sea - India Meteorological Department</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049885384849674243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Odisha: Meteorological Center Bhubaneswar issues heavy rainfall warning for next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Titli</a>. <a href="https://t.co/H9n3c3vMBf">pic.twitter.com/H9n3c3vMBf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049888672412291072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated.</p>

<p>"It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal.

The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal. A red message has been issued over the formation of a very severe cyclonic storm, ‘LUBAN’, over west-central Arabian Sea. The MeT department, Bhubaneswar has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm Titli. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11. Severe Cyclonic Storm #Titli over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh & south Odisha coasts: Red Message. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘LUBAN’ over westcentral Arabian Sea - India Meteorological Department — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × 'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added. Odisha: Meteorological Center Bhubaneswar issues heavy rainfall warning for next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm #Titli. pic.twitter.com/H9n3c3vMBf — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × "A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated. "It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added. (With inputs from ANI)

Cyclone Titli intensifies into severe cyclonic storm, Odisha to get heavy rainfall next three days: IMD 

<p>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.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Met office said Cyclone Titli is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam by Thursday morning.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Met office warned that widespread damage could occur in low-lying areas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli'&nbsp;and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11.</p>

<p>'Titli'&nbsp;is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added.</p>

<p>"A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli'&nbsp;at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated.</p>

<p>"It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, senior scientist of IMD, Sashikant said that heavy rains are expected to occur in the coastal districts of Odisha, adding damage is expected in coastal districts of Khorda, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh.</p>

<p>The IMD also warned the fishermen not to carry out any fishing activities on October 12.</p>

<p>"We have informed the fishermen about not carrying any fishing activities on October 12 as there is a possibility of wind speeds touching 125 Kmph," Sashikant added.</p>

<p>A warning has also been issued to people residing in the low-lying areas, as there is a possibility of trees falling down on houses.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11. 'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added. "A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated. "It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added. Meanwhile, senior scientist of IMD, Sashikant said that heavy rains are expected to occur in the coastal districts of Odisha, adding damage is expected in coastal districts of Khorda, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh. The IMD also warned the fishermen not to carry out any fishing activities on October 12. "We have informed the fishermen about not carrying any fishing activities on October 12 as there is a possibility of wind speeds touching 125 Kmph," Sashikant added. A warning has also been issued to people residing in the low-lying areas, as there is a possibility of trees falling down on houses.

Cyclone 'Titli' to move towards Odisha, Andhra on Thursday: IMD

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory.</p>

<p><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">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 coast tomorrow 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></p>

<p>Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">bone</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659"> saw: NYT</a></p>

<p>The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm.&nbsp;His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-warns-pakistan-against-excessive-loans-from-china-170672">IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China</a></p>

<p>Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-dead-in-majorca-flash-flooding-170676">Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding</a></p>

<p>At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month.

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory. Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at wind speed of 145 kmph Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with bone saw: NYT The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm. His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out. IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday. Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Three people were reported missing in Greece on Sunday after swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods in several parts of the country.</p>

<p>A rare type of tropical storm known as a Medicane began on Saturday and has so far mostly affected areas on the island of Evia, east of mainland Greece, and the southern Peloponnese peninsula.</p>

<p>State TV said that a young man and a middle-aged couple were missing in Evia. The civil protection service said that it had launched a search and rescue operation near the town of Mantoudi.</p>

<p>Ships were held at Greece's main ports and traffic was disrupted in many other areas across the country as roads flooded because of the heavy rain. Gale-force winds led to power cuts and falling trees across the country.</p>

<p>Firefighters have so far received more than 1,300 calls for assistance to help evacuate people trapped in cars and flooded homes and to remove downed trees and other debris.</p>

<p>TV images showed flooded streets turned into rivers in the wider area of Corinth in the Peloponnese and massive sea waves crashing into the shores of coastal towns in the region.</p>

<p>"The Peloponnese is holding on despite the impact and the side effects of this extreme weather phenomenon," said regional governor Petros Tatoulis, adding that homes, fields and state infrastructure had suffered damage.</p>

<p>Temperatures plunged unexpectedly by up to 10 degrees Celsius this week. Wind speeds topped 100 km (56 miles) per hour in several areas and were forecast to intensify.</p>

<p>The civil protection service warned that northern and central Greece could also be affected on Sunday and called on citizens to take self-protection measures.</p>

<p>Authorities were also concerned that the tropical storm could bring mudslides and floods in the wider Athens area, which was recently hit by deadly fires and flash floods.</p>

<p>In August blazes in the area of Mati killed at least 99 people. Last year 24 people were killed and scores were left homeless after a rain-swollen torrent swept through two coastal towns west of the capital.</p>


Three people were reported missing in Greece on Sunday after swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods in several parts of the country. A rare type of tropical storm known as a Medicane began on Saturday and has so far mostly affected areas on the island of Evia, east of mainland Greece, and the southern Peloponnese peninsula.

Three people were reported missing in Greece on Sunday after swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods in several parts of the country. A rare type of tropical storm known as a Medicane began on Saturday and has so far mostly affected areas on the island of Evia, east of mainland Greece, and the southern Peloponnese peninsula. State TV said that a young man and a middle-aged couple were missing in Evia. The civil protection service said that it had launched a search and rescue operation near the town of Mantoudi. Ships were held at Greece's main ports and traffic was disrupted in many other areas across the country as roads flooded because of the heavy rain. Gale-force winds led to power cuts and falling trees across the country. Firefighters have so far received more than 1,300 calls for assistance to help evacuate people trapped in cars and flooded homes and to remove downed trees and other debris. TV images showed flooded streets turned into rivers in the wider area of Corinth in the Peloponnese and massive sea waves crashing into the shores of coastal towns in the region. "The Peloponnese is holding on despite the impact and the side effects of this extreme weather phenomenon," said regional governor Petros Tatoulis, adding that homes, fields and state infrastructure had suffered damage. Temperatures plunged unexpectedly by up to 10 degrees Celsius this week. Wind speeds topped 100 km (56 miles) per hour in several areas and were forecast to intensify. The civil protection service warned that northern and central Greece could also be affected on Sunday and called on citizens to take self-protection measures. Authorities were also concerned that the tropical storm could bring mudslides and floods in the wider Athens area, which was recently hit by deadly fires and flash floods. In August blazes in the area of Mati killed at least 99 people. Last year 24 people were killed and scores were left homeless after a rain-swollen torrent swept through two coastal towns west of the capital.

Three people missing as cyclone brings flash floods in Greece

<p>Odisha is facing the brunt of cyclone storm Daye and is likely to get no respite from the same for the next twelve hours, the MeT department stated on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daye will continue to move west-northwestwards and is expected to gradually weaken into depression during the next 12 hours, news agency ANI reported. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The weather department expects rain, thundershowers at most places in Odisha during next 24 hours. State of the sea will be rough over Odisha coasts for the coming 12 hours.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Parts of Malkangiri town in Odisha have been flooded following heavy rainfall caused due to cyclonic storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Daye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Daye</a>. <a href="https://t.co/4uroc3kEtW">pic.twitter.com/4uroc3kEtW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043015209843998720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to reports, various parts in Odisha, including Malkangiri town, have been flooded following heavy rainfall caused due to the cyclonic storm.</p>

<p>Two shutters of upper Kolab dam in Koraput have also been opened today following a rise in the water level.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a>: Cyclonic storm 'Daye' will continue to move west-northwestwards&amp;weaken gradually into depression during next 12 hrs. Rain/thundershowers very likely to occur at most places during next 24 hrs. State of the sea will be rough over Odisha coasts during next 12 hrs.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043015497216712706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"A storm surge of about 0.5 meters, above the astronomical tides, is likely to inundate the low lying area of districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Puri of Odisha in the next 3 hours. The fishermen have been advised not to venture into northwest Bay of Bengal and along the coast during next 24 hours," ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People from low lying areas were evacuated last night and kept at shelters. No one has been injured or is dead. Malkangiri has received very heavy rainfall in last 24 hours, two villages and colonies affected, landslides in Chitrakonda area," Bishnu Pada Sethi, Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Except for Malkangiri, the situation is normal in all other districts. The water level in all major rivers is below the danger level. CM has sanctioned gratuitous relief of Rs 60 a day per person&amp;Rs 45/per day for children below 12 for seven days: Spl Relief Commissioner, Odisha <a href="https://t.co/LwM74n7F4Z">pic.twitter.com/LwM74n7F4Z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043020096950554625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also stated that except Malkangiri, the situation is normal in all other districts. The water level in all major rivers is below the danger level. The Chief Minister has sanctioned gratuitous relief of Rs 60 a day per person and Rs 45/per day for children below 12 years for seven days.&nbsp;</p>


Odisha is facing the brunt of cyclone storm Daye and is likely to get no respite from the same for the next twelve hours, the MeT department stated on Friday. Daye will continue to move west-northwestwards and is expected to gradually weaken into depression during the next 12 hours, news agency ANI reported.

Odisha is facing the brunt of cyclone storm Daye and is likely to get no respite from the same for the next twelve hours, the MeT department stated on Friday. Daye will continue to move west-northwestwards and is expected to gradually weaken into depression during the next 12 hours, news agency ANI reported. The weather department expects rain, thundershowers at most places in Odisha during next 24 hours. State of the sea will be rough over Odisha coasts for the coming 12 hours. #WATCH: Parts of Malkangiri town in Odisha have been flooded following heavy rainfall caused due to cyclonic storm #Daye. pic.twitter.com/4uroc3kEtW — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 × According to reports, various parts in Odisha, including Malkangiri town, have been flooded following heavy rainfall caused due to the cyclonic storm. Two shutters of upper Kolab dam in Koraput have also been opened today following a rise in the water level. #Odisha: Cyclonic storm 'Daye' will continue to move west-northwestwards&weaken gradually into depression during next 12 hrs. Rain/thundershowers very likely to occur at most places during next 24 hrs. State of the sea will be rough over Odisha coasts during next 12 hrs. — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 × "A storm surge of about 0.5 meters, above the astronomical tides, is likely to inundate the low lying area of districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Puri of Odisha in the next 3 hours. The fishermen have been advised not to venture into northwest Bay of Bengal and along the coast during next 24 hours," ANI reported. "People from low lying areas were evacuated last night and kept at shelters. No one has been injured or is dead. Malkangiri has received very heavy rainfall in last 24 hours, two villages and colonies affected, landslides in Chitrakonda area," Bishnu Pada Sethi, Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha said on Monday. Except for Malkangiri, the situation is normal in all other districts. The water level in all major rivers is below the danger level. CM has sanctioned gratuitous relief of Rs 60 a day per person&Rs 45/per day for children below 12 for seven days: Spl Relief Commissioner, Odisha pic.twitter.com/LwM74n7F4Z — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 × He also stated that except Malkangiri, the situation is normal in all other districts. The water level in all major rivers is below the danger level. The Chief Minister has sanctioned gratuitous relief of Rs 60 a day per person and Rs 45/per day for children below 12 years for seven days.

Cyclone 'Daye' lashes Odisha, 2 shutters of upper Kolab dam opened after rise in water level

<p>The Indian Naval has evacuated the 38 Indian nationals who were stranded on Yemen island due to the Mekunu&nbsp;cyclone.</p>

<p>After evacuating the people, the Indian naval ship&nbsp;Sunayna is set to move towards Porbandar, to disembark the people, the Indian Navy said.</p>

<p>The Navy had launched the operation called "Operation Nistar" to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>The Indian Naval Ship INS Sunayna was deployed in the Western Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>The cyclone Mekunu had badly hit various parts of Oman and Socotra island.</p>

<p>Socotra is about 1,180 nautical miles from Mumbai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: 38 Indians, who were stranded on Yemen's Socotra island after cyclone Mekenu, on board Indian Naval Ship Sunayna after being evacuated by Indian Navy. (Video Source: Indian Navy) <a href="https://t.co/j8b2St3qE6">pic.twitter.com/j8b2St3qE6</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1003214629286207488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


After evacuating the people, the Indian naval ship Sunayna is set to move towards Porbandar, to disembark the people, the Indian Navy said

The Indian Naval has evacuated the 38 Indian nationals who were stranded on Yemen island due to the Mekunu cyclone. After evacuating the people, the Indian naval ship Sunayna is set to move towards Porbandar, to disembark the people, the Indian Navy said. The Navy had launched the operation called "Operation Nistar" to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The Indian Naval Ship INS Sunayna was deployed in the Western Arabian Sea. The cyclone Mekunu had badly hit various parts of Oman and Socotra island. Socotra is about 1,180 nautical miles from Mumbai. #WATCH: 38 Indians, who were stranded on Yemen's Socotra island after cyclone Mekenu, on board Indian Naval Ship Sunayna after being evacuated by Indian Navy. (Video Source: Indian Navy) pic.twitter.com/j8b2St3qE6 — ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2018 ×

Watch: Navy evacuates Indians stranded on Yemen island due to Mekunu cyclone

<p>Coastal Karnataka's Mangalore city was ravaged by torrential rains on Tuesday resulting in floods in many areas. According to reports, coastal areas of Karnataka were hit by cyclone Mekunu on Tuesday triggering heavy rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parts of Mangaluru city and Udupi witnessed flooding while other coastal areas saw uprooted trees. Schools and colleges were shut in many flood-hit areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening expressed his concern for "those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka". PM Modi tweeted out directing the authorities to "ensure all assistance in the affected areas".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I pray for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka. Have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1001483026247761920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per reports by Skymet weather, cyclone Mekunu was likely to hit Kerala this week. The private weather forecaster has predicted, "moderate to heavy rains with one or very heavy spells likely over Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Karnataka" today.</p>

<p>The formation of well-marked low pressure over the south-east Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka and north Kerala, is believed to have triggered heavy spells of rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aftermath of heavy rain that had hit the low-lying areas in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangalore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangalore</a> <a href="https://t.co/wfMlmXadH0">pic.twitter.com/wfMlmXadH0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001727129527115776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has started with rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Mangaluru's District Commissioner has called for an inspection of all drains in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media brims with pictures and videos of rain-hit coastal Karnataka where peoples' lives have gone out of gear.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CM of Karnataka will only take any action after instructions of 10JP<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangaluru</a> drowns bcoz of heavy rains. People of Karnataka are in big trouble but no help from Govt so far... <a href="https://t.co/CA7Q8uTYtv">pic.twitter.com/CA7Q8uTYtv</a></p>
— Shashank Patel (@shashank1P) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashank1P/status/1001658073910468609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Visuals show water entering into houses, shops in flood-hit regions, vehicles submerged in flood water and locals trying to get to safe areas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and other teams with sufficient rescue equipment rushed to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangaluru</a> to provide rescue services in the affected areas due to the torrential rains. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also reached the city. <a href="https://t.co/SouRdhWtuN">pic.twitter.com/SouRdhWtuN</a></p>
— Mangalore City (@MangaloreCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MangaloreCity/status/1001657574616371200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A video posted on Twitter shows a large snake spotted in one of the flooded alleys in coastal Karnataka. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My thoughts are with all those affected by the incessant rain in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mangaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mangaluru</a> region. I pray for your safety and well being. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneMekunu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneMekunu</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1iW6tG5AH">pic.twitter.com/y1iW6tG5AH</a></p>
— Bhanu Bharatiya?? (@BhanuBhaskar5) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhanuBhaskar5/status/1001649958213349376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karnataka may not see any respite from heavy rains even today.&nbsp;</p>


The formation of well-marked low pressure over the south-east Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka and north Kerala, is believed to have triggered heavy spells of rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka

Coastal Karnataka's Mangalore city was ravaged by torrential rains on Tuesday resulting in floods in many areas. According to reports, coastal areas of Karnataka were hit by cyclone Mekunu on Tuesday triggering heavy rains. Parts of Mangaluru city and Udupi witnessed flooding while other coastal areas saw uprooted trees. Schools and colleges were shut in many flood-hit areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening expressed his concern for "those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka". PM Modi tweeted out directing the authorities to "ensure all assistance in the affected areas". I pray for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected by heavy rains in various parts of Karnataka. Have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible assistance in the affected areas. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 29, 2018 × As per reports by Skymet weather, cyclone Mekunu was likely to hit Kerala this week. The private weather forecaster has predicted, "moderate to heavy rains with one or very heavy spells likely over Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Karnataka" today. The formation of well-marked low pressure over the south-east Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka and north Kerala, is believed to have triggered heavy spells of rainfall in Kerala and Karnataka. Aftermath of heavy rain that had hit the low-lying areas in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Visuals from #Mangalore pic.twitter.com/wfMlmXadH0 — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 × Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has started with rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Mangaluru's District Commissioner has called for an inspection of all drains in the city. Social media brims with pictures and videos of rain-hit coastal Karnataka where peoples' lives have gone out of gear. CM of Karnataka will only take any action after instructions of 10JP Meanwhile, #Mangaluru drowns bcoz of heavy rains. People of Karnataka are in big trouble but no help from Govt so far... pic.twitter.com/CA7Q8uTYtv — Shashank Patel (@shashank1P) May 30, 2018 × Visuals show water entering into houses, shops in flood-hit regions, vehicles submerged in flood water and locals trying to get to safe areas. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and other teams with sufficient rescue equipment rushed to #Mangaluru to provide rescue services in the affected areas due to the torrential rains. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also reached the city. pic.twitter.com/SouRdhWtuN — Mangalore City (@MangaloreCity) May 30, 2018 × A video posted on Twitter shows a large snake spotted in one of the flooded alleys in coastal Karnataka. My thoughts are with all those affected by the incessant rain in #Mangaluru region. I pray for your safety and well being. #CycloneMekunu pic.twitter.com/y1iW6tG5AH — Bhanu Bharatiya?? (@BhanuBhaskar5) May 30, 2018 × Karnataka may not see any respite from heavy rains even today.

Watch: Torrential rain hits Mangaluru, cause floods; schools shut

<p>Cyclone Mekunu hit Southern part of Oman as heavy winds and rain resulted in several casualties.</p>

<p>According to media reports, 11 people were killed in the cyclone among which, three were Indian.</p>

<p>"Indian Embassy Team in Salalah has confirmed that as per Royal Oman Police, mortal remains of one (Shamsher Ali) of two missing Indian have been found and the search for the other (Madhu) is underway. There is no report of casualty amongst other expatriates,” the Indian Embassy in Muscat tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Indian Embassy is taking care of 50 Indian dhow crew,” it said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Labour ministry of Oman has advised all private sector companies to shut down as it declared to shut down three days off following the cyclone.</p>

<p>The heavy winds as caused extensive damage halting operation sat Salalah port.</p>

<p>Cyclone Mekunu hit southern Yemen and the coast of neighbouring Oman over the weekend, resulting in several fatalities.</p>

<p>Salalah Port Services Company said that operations at the port had been halted because of the damage caused by the cyclone and that it would take a minimum of 72 hours to "make the port safe".</p>

<p>Sembcorp Salalah Water and Power Company, which operates an electricity generation and seawater desalination plant in Oman, said its water production plant had been shut down temporarily owing to rough seas because of a tropical storm.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Labour ministry of Oman has advised all private sector companies to shut down as it declared to shut down three days off following the cyclone

Cyclone Mekunu hit Southern part of Oman as heavy winds and rain resulted in several casualties. According to media reports, 11 people were killed in the cyclone among which, three were Indian. "Indian Embassy Team in Salalah has confirmed that as per Royal Oman Police, mortal remains of one (Shamsher Ali) of two missing Indian have been found and the search for the other (Madhu) is underway. There is no report of casualty amongst other expatriates,” the Indian Embassy in Muscat tweeted. “Indian Embassy is taking care of 50 Indian dhow crew,” it said. Meanwhile, Labour ministry of Oman has advised all private sector companies to shut down as it declared to shut down three days off following the cyclone. The heavy winds as caused extensive damage halting operation sat Salalah port. Cyclone Mekunu hit southern Yemen and the coast of neighbouring Oman over the weekend, resulting in several fatalities. Salalah Port Services Company said that operations at the port had been halted because of the damage caused by the cyclone and that it would take a minimum of 72 hours to "make the port safe". Sembcorp Salalah Water and Power Company, which operates an electricity generation and seawater desalination plant in Oman, said its water production plant had been shut down temporarily owing to rough seas because of a tropical storm. (With inputs from Reuters)

3 Indians died in Cyclone Mekunu in Oman, 11 dead in total

<p>Five people including one Indian national were killed due to the Mekumu cyclone storm on the Yemen islan of Socotra on Friday before hitting Arabian Peninsula's southern coast.&nbsp</p>

<p>The other four who were killed were Yemen nationals. At least 40 have also been reported missing among which three wre local sailor whose ship capsized off the coast.&nbsp</p>

<p>Following the incident, Yemen declared a state of emergency for Socotra, which lies between southern Yemen and the Horn of Africa.</p>

<p>A major cyclonic storm termed as 'Mekunu' which hit Westcentral and adjoining Southwest Arabian Sea may now move northwards during the next 24 hours, reports said on Friday.&nbsp</p>

<p>It is likely to move north-northwestwards and cross south Oman-southeast Yemen coasts close to Salalah, by May 26.</p>

<p>As per reports, a cyclone Mekunu in the Arabian Sea may make a landfall in the Arabian Peninsula later this week. A north to northwest track in the coming days will bring the risk for life-threatening impacts to Socotra, Oman and Yemen.</p>

<p>The storm is worsening and most parts of the island have lost communications, said the governor of the nearby province of Hadhramaut.</p>

<p>The same weather system hit the Horn of Africa on Wednesday, killing more than 50 people in Somaliland.</p>

<p>Yemeni government spokesman Badi called on international humanitarian organisations and the Riyadh-led military coalition participating in the war to provide urgent aid to the island, where Saudi and UAE forces have a presence.</p>


Following the incident, Yemen declared a state of emergency for Socotra, which lies between southern Yemen and the Horn of Africa

Five people including one Indian national were killed due to the Mekumu cyclone storm on the Yemen islan of Socotra on Friday before hitting Arabian Peninsula's southern coast. The other four who were killed were Yemen nationals. At least 40 have also been reported missing among which three wre local sailor whose ship capsized off the coast. Following the incident, Yemen declared a state of emergency for Socotra, which lies between southern Yemen and the Horn of Africa. A major cyclonic storm termed as 'Mekunu' which hit Westcentral and adjoining Southwest Arabian Sea may now move northwards during the next 24 hours, reports said on Friday. It is likely to move north-northwestwards and cross south Oman-southeast Yemen coasts close to Salalah, by May 26. As per reports, a cyclone Mekunu in the Arabian Sea may make a landfall in the Arabian Peninsula later this week. A north to northwest track in the coming days will bring the risk for life-threatening impacts to Socotra, Oman and Yemen. The storm is worsening and most parts of the island have lost communications, said the governor of the nearby province of Hadhramaut. The same weather system hit the Horn of Africa on Wednesday, killing more than 50 people in Somaliland. Yemeni government spokesman Badi called on international humanitarian organisations and the Riyadh-led military coalition participating in the war to provide urgent aid to the island, where Saudi and UAE forces have a presence.

Indian national among 5 killed in Mekunu Cyclone

<p>The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for "Menuku" cyclone in the&nbspcoastal regions of Maharashtra and&nbspGoa.</p>

<p>The IMD has stated that Menuku is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours.</p>

<p>The department had also warned the fishermen to not to not to venture in the sea.&nbsp</p>

<p>Earlier, the scientists had issued warnings of a thundershower and moderate rain in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.</p>

<p>An IMD scientist had said, "South-west monsoon has advanced to some parts of south Andaman sea, Nicobar Islands and South-east Bay of Bengal. Due to trough upper cyclonic circulations, light to moderate rain/thundershower likely to occur over Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next 3-4 days".</p>

<p>Also, warnings have been issued in various parts of Kerala for&nbspheavy, very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall from May 27 to May 29.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heavy to very heavy rainfall most likely to occur one or two places in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> on 27 May - 29th May & extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places on May 28th.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000028358816624640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The weather around 1000 kms of Cyclone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mekunu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mekunu</a> is rough and wind is very strong, we had issued an advisory to fishermen to not venture in the sea. Some parts of Konkan Goa & southern Maharashtra may get rain and wind, other parts will not be affected: Scientist, IMD Pune <a href="https://t.co/p62cfcgCfS">pic.twitter.com/p62cfcgCfS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000014399485169664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The IMD has stated that Menuku is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for "Menuku" cyclone in the&nbspcoastal regions of Maharashtra and&nbspGoa. The IMD has stated that Menuku is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours. The department had also warned the fishermen to not to not to venture in the sea. Earlier, the scientists had issued warnings of a thundershower and moderate rain in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An IMD scientist had said, "South-west monsoon has advanced to some parts of south Andaman sea, Nicobar Islands and South-east Bay of Bengal. Due to trough upper cyclonic circulations, light to moderate rain/thundershower likely to occur over Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next 3-4 days". Also, warnings have been issued in various parts of Kerala for&nbspheavy, very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall from May 27 to May 29. Heavy to very heavy rainfall most likely to occur one or two places in #Kerala on 27 May - 29th May & extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places on May 28th. — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2018 × The weather around 1000 kms of Cyclone #Mekunu is rough and wind is very strong, we had issued an advisory to fishermen to not venture in the sea. Some parts of Konkan Goa & southern Maharashtra may get rain and wind, other parts will not be affected: Scientist, IMD Pune pic.twitter.com/p62cfcgCfS — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2018 ×

IMD issues warning for 'Menuku' cyclone in Maharashtra and Goa

<p>A major cyclonic storm termed as 'Mekunu' which hit Westcentral and adjoining Southwest Arabian Sea may now move northwards during the next 24 hours, reports said on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is&nbsp;likely to move north-northwestwards and cross south Oman-southeast Yemen coasts close to Salalah, by May 26.</p>

<p>As per reports, a cyclone Mekunu in the Arabian Sea may&nbsp;make a landfall in the Arabian Peninsula later this week. A north to northwest track in the coming days will bring the risk for life-threatening impacts to Socotra, Oman and Yemen.</p>

<p>A state of emergency was declared in Socotra, an island located between the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula, after the storm flooded villages, capsized boats and left at least 17 missing on Thursday, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the system is away from Indian coast, no adverse weather is expected along and off the west coast of India and Lakshadweep.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MET department had on Thursday said that the cyclone is likely to trigger heavy showers along the western coast of Maharashtra in the next few days. Some isolated places in Konkan will receive rain, but the rest of Maharashtra will have no impact, reports said.</p>

<p>Nineteen people were missing after seven boats capsized and three cars were washed away by floods, said one Yemeni government minister, adding that evacuations to shelters are still underway in the island’s capital. Another official said more than 200 families had been evacuated from their villages.</p>

<p>The storm is worsening and most parts of the island have lost communications, said the governor of the nearby province of Hadhramaut.</p>

<p>The same weather system hit the Horn of Africa on Wednesday, killing more than 50 people in Somaliland.</p>

<p>Yemeni government spokesman Badi called on international humanitarian organisations and the Riyadh-led military coalition participating in the war to provide urgent aid to the island, where Saudi and UAE forces have a presence.</p>

<p>In November 2015, Socotra and south Yemen were hit by cyclone Chapala which injured more than 200 people.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


As the system is away from Indian coast, no adverse weather is expected along and off the west coast of India and Lakshadweep

A major cyclonic storm termed as 'Mekunu' which hit Westcentral and adjoining Southwest Arabian Sea may now move northwards during the next 24 hours, reports said on Friday. It is likely to move north-northwestwards and cross south Oman-southeast Yemen coasts close to Salalah, by May 26. As per reports, a cyclone Mekunu in the Arabian Sea may make a landfall in the Arabian Peninsula later this week. A north to northwest track in the coming days will bring the risk for life-threatening impacts to Socotra, Oman and Yemen. A state of emergency was declared in Socotra, an island located between the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula, after the storm flooded villages, capsized boats and left at least 17 missing on Thursday, Reuters reported. As the system is away from Indian coast, no adverse weather is expected along and off the west coast of India and Lakshadweep. The MET department had on Thursday said that the cyclone is likely to trigger heavy showers along the western coast of Maharashtra in the next few days. Some isolated places in Konkan will receive rain, but the rest of Maharashtra will have no impact, reports said. Nineteen people were missing after seven boats capsized and three cars were washed away by floods, said one Yemeni government minister, adding that evacuations to shelters are still underway in the island’s capital. Another official said more than 200 families had been evacuated from their villages. The storm is worsening and most parts of the island have lost communications, said the governor of the nearby province of Hadhramaut. The same weather system hit the Horn of Africa on Wednesday, killing more than 50 people in Somaliland. Yemeni government spokesman Badi called on international humanitarian organisations and the Riyadh-led military coalition participating in the war to provide urgent aid to the island, where Saudi and UAE forces have a presence. In November 2015, Socotra and south Yemen were hit by cyclone Chapala which injured more than 200 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone storm 'Mekunu' to move northwards from Southwest Arabian Sea in 24 hours

<p>Hundreds of people were sheltering in evacuation centres as another tropical storm took aim at Fiji, officials said Saturday, as the South Pacific island nation went on high alert.</p>

<p>The storm was brewing east of Vanuatu and was expected to strengthen as it neared Fiji early next week.</p>

<p>"The concern for the weekend is strong winds, heavy rain, flooding of low lying areas and rivers," the Fiji Meteorological Service said in a statement.</p>

<p>It comes a week after Cyclone Josie caused widespread flooding and left five people dead with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama blaming climate change and warning Fiji had entered a "frightening new era".</p>

<p>National Disaster Management Office director Anare Leweniqila told Radio New Zealand the weather system has the potential to develop into a category one cyclone.</p>

<p>"A cyclone warning has been issued early for the whole of the Fiji group as the tropical depression approaches the country, making people aware of the situation early," he said as heavy rain saw flood waters begin to rise again.</p>

<p>By noon Saturday (0000 GMT), flooding had forced hundreds of people to take shelter in evacuation centres in the north and west of Fiji.</p>

<p>"At about 6 am this morning, our area was flooded and we started preparing ourselves because police had arrived to take us to the evacuation centre," Laisa Vunitiko, from the village of Vulovi on Vanua Levu island, told the Fiji Times.</p>

<p>The Times said 490 families had taken shelter in the north while the National Disaster Management Office reported 192 people were in evacuation centres in the west.</p>


Hundreds of people were sheltering in evacuation centres as another tropical storm took aim at Fiji, officials said Saturday, as the South Pacific island nation went on high alert

Hundreds of people were sheltering in evacuation centres as another tropical storm took aim at Fiji, officials said Saturday, as the South Pacific island nation went on high alert. The storm was brewing east of Vanuatu and was expected to strengthen as it neared Fiji early next week. "The concern for the weekend is strong winds, heavy rain, flooding of low lying areas and rivers," the Fiji Meteorological Service said in a statement. It comes a week after Cyclone Josie caused widespread flooding and left five people dead with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama blaming climate change and warning Fiji had entered a "frightening new era". National Disaster Management Office director Anare Leweniqila told Radio New Zealand the weather system has the potential to develop into a category one cyclone. "A cyclone warning has been issued early for the whole of the Fiji group as the tropical depression approaches the country, making people aware of the situation early," he said as heavy rain saw flood waters begin to rise again. By noon Saturday (0000 GMT), flooding had forced hundreds of people to take shelter in evacuation centres in the north and west of Fiji. "At about 6 am this morning, our area was flooded and we started preparing ourselves because police had arrived to take us to the evacuation centre," Laisa Vunitiko, from the village of Vulovi on Vanua Levu island, told the Fiji Times. The Times said 490 families had taken shelter in the north while the National Disaster Management Office reported 192 people were in evacuation centres in the west.

Hundreds take shelter as Fiji braces for another cyclone

<p>The metrological department in Thiruvananthapuram has issued a cyclone alert in Kerala with high waves expected to reach 11 feet along the coast.</p>

<p>&quot;Squally winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely over Comorin area,&quot; meterological office said.</p>

<p>Sea condition will be rough to very rough over Comorin and adjoining sea areas during next 48 hours, the metrological office observed.</p>

<p>Fishermen in the area have been asked not to venture into the sea. The weathermen have also said similar conditions will exist in Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during 12-14th March.</p>


Sea condition will be rough to very rough over Comorin and adjoining sea areas during next 48 hours, the metrological office observed.

The metrological department in Thiruvananthapuram has issued a cyclone alert in Kerala with high waves expected to reach 11 feet along the coast. "Squally winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely over Comorin area," meterological office said. Sea condition will be rough to very rough over Comorin and adjoining sea areas during next 48 hours, the metrological office observed. Fishermen in the area have been asked not to venture into the sea. The weathermen have also said similar conditions will exist in Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during 12-14th March.

Cyclone alert along Kerala coast: Metrological department

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-heads-towards-gujarat-causes-hailstorm-in-mumbai-25913">Mumbai received 22 mm of rainfall till 8:30 am </a>today as Cyclone Ockhi moved towards south Gujarat.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-rains-lash-thane-navi-mumbai-as-cyclone-okhi-approaches-maharashtra-coast-25861">Weather forecasters have said rains</a> will reduce by tomorrow in India&#39;s financial capital with the cyclone set to move to Gujarat.</p>

<p>Strong surface winds will prevail over the region <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-indian-navy-finds-9-kochi-fishermen-missing-for-15-days-25804">with wind speed ranging between</a> 40-50 kmph, skymetweather said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Gujarat received heavy rainfall with Valsad receiving 25 mm rain along with Ahmedabad which received 9 mm of rain since Tuesday.</p>

<p>Several other areas in Gujarat including &nbsp;Surat, Junagad, Rajkot and Bhavnagar received moderate to heavy rainfall along with&nbsp;high-velocity winds with the speed of 40-60 kmph.</p>

<p>However, Cyclone Ockhi has been &quot;rapidly weakening ever since it has been inching closer to the Gujarat coast&quot;, weather forecaster skymetweather said.</p>

<p>The weather system is set to weaken further and cross the Indian coast between south Gujarat and adjoining north Maharashtra&nbsp;near Surat by Tuesday night.</p>

<p>Weathermen expect &quot;light to moderate rains&quot; to continue over south and central Gujarat with the intensity subsiding from Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOchki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOchki</a> nowcast by VP of Meteorology <a href="https://twitter.com/Mpalawat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mpalawat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujaratrains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujaratrains</a> <a href="https://t.co/PeC2BG9wpW">https://t.co/PeC2BG9wpW</a></p>
&mdash; SkymetWeather (@SkymetWeather) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkymetWeather/status/938017697299816448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weathermen expect "light to moderate rains" to continue over south and central Gujarat with the intensity subsiding from Wednesday.

Mumbai received 22 mm of rainfall till 8:30 am today as Cyclone Ockhi moved towards south Gujarat. Weather forecasters have said rains will reduce by tomorrow in India's financial capital with the cyclone set to move to Gujarat. Strong surface winds will prevail over the region with wind speed ranging between 40-50 kmph, skymetweather said. Meanwhile, Gujarat received heavy rainfall with Valsad receiving 25 mm rain along with Ahmedabad which received 9 mm of rain since Tuesday. Several other areas in Gujarat including Surat, Junagad, Rajkot and Bhavnagar received moderate to heavy rainfall along with high-velocity winds with the speed of 40-60 kmph. However, Cyclone Ockhi has been "rapidly weakening ever since it has been inching closer to the Gujarat coast", weather forecaster skymetweather said. The weather system is set to weaken further and cross the Indian coast between south Gujarat and adjoining north Maharashtra near Surat by Tuesday night. Weathermen expect "light to moderate rains" to continue over south and central Gujarat with the intensity subsiding from Wednesday. #CycloneOchki nowcast by VP of Meteorology @Mpalawat #MumbaiRains #Gujaratrains https://t.co/PeC2BG9wpW — SkymetWeather (@SkymetWeather) December 5, 2017 ×

Watch: Heavy rains in Valsad, Ahmedabad as Cyclone Ockhi heads to Gujarat

<p>Cyclone Ockhi is expected <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-at-least-16-dead-several-missing-as-cyclone-ockhi-nears-lakshadweep-sri-lanka-25598">to make landfall in Maharashtra and south Gujarat </a>in the next 24 hours, the Indian Metrological Department(IMD) said.</p>

<p>India&#39;s Metrological Department <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-indian-navy-finds-9-kochi-fishermen-missing-for-15-days-25804">said heavy&nbsp;rains are likely to occur over </a>north Konkan and Goa including Mumbai tonight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several districts in Gujarat will also receive &quot;light rains with increased intensity&quot;, the weather forecaster said, adding, that sea conditions will become rough over north Maharashtra and Gujarat coast.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mumbai: 12 Ships, 3 Dornier aircraft and 3 helicopters deployed by Coast Guard Region (West) for providing critical assistance to the fishermen at sea. Coast Guard District Headquarters at Cochin &amp; Kavaratti directed to provide assistance to stranded fishermen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/SByv7juTDT">pic.twitter.com/SByv7juTDT</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937637334555619328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The IMD has warned fishermen in the Maharashtra and Gujarat area not to venture into the sea. India&#39;s defence forces are continuing efforts to airlift fishermen in the area&nbsp;who have been caught in the cyclone.</p>

<p>India has deployed ten Naval ships and eight aircrafts to assist in rescue and relief effort. The cyclone has claimed 14 lives in Kerala and Tamil Nadu&nbsp;<br />
with several fishermen still missing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke to CMs of Tamil Nadu &amp; Kerala &amp; also to Administrator of Lakshadweep regarding situation in areas affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a>. Centre is providing all possible assistance to these states/UT. Rescue &amp; relief ops. are going on in full swing, tweets HM Rajnath Singh (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/C3A8vzkgqr">pic.twitter.com/C3A8vzkgqr</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937634299074842629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kerala state emergency department said nearly 3,200 people were in relief camps with schools and colleges shut with at least 4,000 powerlines affected in the state.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, cyclone Ockhi has caused widespread damage in Sri Lanka with at least 77,000 people in sixteen districts affected in the island nation.</p>

<p>The southern Galle district has been badly hit by the cyclone. Nearly 4,000 people are in Sri Lankan relief camps, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>While Cyclone Ockhi was said to be weakening, another tropical storm was brewing in the Bay of Bengal on the east coast, officials said.</p>

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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCwfhQzKzSs" width="560"></iframe><br />
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India's Metrological Department said light rains are likely to occur over north Konkan and Goa including Mumbai tonight.?

Cyclone Ockhi is expected to make landfall in Maharashtra and south Gujarat in the next 24 hours, the Indian Metrological Department(IMD) said. India's Metrological Department said heavy rains are likely to occur over north Konkan and Goa including Mumbai tonight. Several districts in Gujarat will also receive "light rains with increased intensity", the weather forecaster said, adding, that sea conditions will become rough over north Maharashtra and Gujarat coast. Mumbai: 12 Ships, 3 Dornier aircraft and 3 helicopters deployed by Coast Guard Region (West) for providing critical assistance to the fishermen at sea. Coast Guard District Headquarters at Cochin & Kavaratti directed to provide assistance to stranded fishermen #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/SByv7juTDT — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2017 × The IMD has warned fishermen in the Maharashtra and Gujarat area not to venture into the sea. India's defence forces are continuing efforts to airlift fishermen in the area who have been caught in the cyclone. India has deployed ten Naval ships and eight aircrafts to assist in rescue and relief effort. The cyclone has claimed 14 lives in Kerala and Tamil Nadu with several fishermen still missing. Spoke to CMs of Tamil Nadu & Kerala & also to Administrator of Lakshadweep regarding situation in areas affected by #CycloneOckhi. Centre is providing all possible assistance to these states/UT. Rescue & relief ops. are going on in full swing, tweets HM Rajnath Singh (File pic) pic.twitter.com/C3A8vzkgqr — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2017 × Kerala state emergency department said nearly 3,200 people were in relief camps with schools and colleges shut with at least 4,000 powerlines affected in the state. Meanwhile, cyclone Ockhi has caused widespread damage in Sri Lanka with at least 77,000 people in sixteen districts affected in the island nation. The southern Galle district has been badly hit by the cyclone. Nearly 4,000 people are in Sri Lankan relief camps, Reuters reported. While Cyclone Ockhi was said to be weakening, another tropical storm was brewing in the Bay of Bengal on the east coast, officials said.

Tracking Cyclone Ockhi: Heavy rain expected in Mumbai, Gujarat

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/improving-health-infrastructure-is-priority-modi-25761" target="_blank">Those releasing fatwas against &#39;nationalists&#39; should see effort we took to get Father Tom back: Modi</a></p>

<p>Speaking about the efforts taken by the Central government to bring back father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was freed after being kept in captivity by ISIS for 18 months in strife-torn Yemen, Modi said those who are releasing Fatwas against &#39;nationalists&#39; should see the effort we undertook to get Father Tom back.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ockhicyclone-may-now-hit-gujarat-coast-25758" target="_blank">Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat coast</a></p>

<p>After creating havoc in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Cyclone&nbsp;Ockhi may now hit Gujarat. Warnings have been issued to fishermen in Saurashtra, Gujarat.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/six-including-woman-child-killed-in-suicide-attack-in-afghanistan-25747" target="_blank">Six including woman, child killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan</a></p>

<p>At least six civilians, including a woman and a child, have been killed and 13 others injured after a blast in Jalalabad city of Afghanistan&nbsp;on Sunday afternoon, local officials confirmed.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation</a></p>

<p>The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan&#39;s immoral imposition of taxes on them. Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-group-says-fires-missile-toward-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25754" target="_blank">Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen&#39;s Houthi rebels</a></p>

<p>Yemen&#39;s Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group&#39;s television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence. There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE.</p>


Those releasing fatwas against 'nationalists' should see effort we took to get Father Tom back: Modi Speaking about the efforts taken by the Central government to bring back father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was freed after being kept in captivity by ISIS for 18 months in strife-torn Yemen, Modi said those who are releasing Fatwas against 'nationalists' should see the effort we undertook to get Father Tom back. Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat coast After creating havoc in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Cyclone Ockhi may now hit Gujarat. Warnings have been issued to fishermen in Saurashtra, Gujarat. Six including woman, child killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan At least six civilians, including a woman and a child, have been killed and 13 others injured after a blast in Jalalabad city of Afghanistan on Sunday afternoon, local officials confirmed. Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan's immoral imposition of taxes on them. Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power. Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels Yemen's Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group's television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence. There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE.

WION evening news brief, December 3, 2017

<p>The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-batters-lakshwadeep-coast-killing-14-many-missing-25662">Ochki cyclone</a>&nbsp;has gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In all 68 fishing boats have reached, out of which 66 are from Kerala&amp; 2 from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fisherman on board.All are safe.<br />
Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back, tweets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977824375644160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977995469791232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into &#39;severe cyclonic storm&#39; with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km.</p>

<p>&quot;The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea,&quot; the Coast Guard informed in a press release.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cyclone circulation lies over SW bay of Tamil Nadu,also well marked low pressure area ovr south Andaman sea&amp;neighbourhood is persisting.Low pressure expected to intensify ovr nxt 36 hrs&amp; expected to move in 3-4 days in NW direction,situation monitored: Director, Chennai Met Dept. <a href="https://t.co/7gh2OvltLq">pic.twitter.com/7gh2OvltLq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936964894917779456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-will-further-intensify-in-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-25653">Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department</a></p>

<p>Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.&nbsp;</p>


Reports further confirm that only 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the Coast Guard is?at the scene

The death toll in Ochki cyclone has gone up to 18 after three bodies were found by the coast guard in Thiruvananthapuram coast. Two deaths were reported from Kannur and Cochin. Tamil Nadu Government had requested the Centre to send Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct a search for the missing fishermen from Kanyakumari. According to news agency ANI 68 fishing boats have reached the shore. Out of which 66 are from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fishermen on board. In all 68 fishing boats have reached, out of which 66 are from Kerala& 2 from Tamil Nadu with total 952 fisherman on board.All are safe. Maharashtra will completely look after everyone till weather permits them to go back, tweets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Reports say that 97 fishermen are yet to be rescued from the sea and that the state Coast Guard officers are on the rescue operations. Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #CycloneOckhi — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari is making its way towards Lakshadweep islands and has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm' with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km. "The cyclone wrecked havoc on South Kerala with severe damage to coastal areas and has endangered lives of fishermen operating at sea," the Coast Guard informed in a press release. Cyclone circulation lies over SW bay of Tamil Nadu,also well marked low pressure area ovr south Andaman sea&neighbourhood is persisting.Low pressure expected to intensify ovr nxt 36 hrs& expected to move in 3-4 days in NW direction,situation monitored: Director, Chennai Met Dept. pic.twitter.com/7gh2OvltLq — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Also read: Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department Earlier, locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum's Thumba seeking better relief measures and rescue of fishermen missing from the area.

Cyclone Ockhi: Toll rises to 18 with 5 more deaths in Kerala

<p>Some locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba seeking relief measures even as c<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/25662" target="_blank">yclone Ockhi</a> barrelled into the Lakshwadeep islands on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The highway was blocked for almost five hours as locals demanded better relief measures and rescue of six fishermen missing from the area.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> Locals have blocked National Highway for last five hours in Trivandrum&#39;s Thumba, demand better relief measures &amp; rescue of 6 fishermen missing from the area <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/rcTY0gyDty">pic.twitter.com/rcTY0gyDty</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936925247894274050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, three rescued fishermen had been brought to the Trivandrum Air Force Station and were admitted to hospital for treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cyclone has left 14 dead. Several fishermen missing, who ventured into the sea before the cyclone struck, are still missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


3 rescued fishermen brought to Trivandrum Air Force Station and were admitted to hospital for treatment

Some locals blocked the National Highway in Trivandrum's Thumba seeking relief measures even as cyclone Ockhi barrelled into the Lakshwadeep islands on Saturday. The highway was blocked for almost five hours as locals demanded better relief measures and rescue of six fishermen missing from the area. #Kerala Locals have blocked National Highway for last five hours in Trivandrum's Thumba, demand better relief measures & rescue of 6 fishermen missing from the area #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/rcTY0gyDty — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Earlier, three rescued fishermen had been brought to the Trivandrum Air Force Station and were admitted to hospital for treatment. The cyclone has left 14 dead. Several fishermen missing, who ventured into the sea before the cyclone struck, are still missing. Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday.

Cyclone Ockhi: NH blocked for 5 hours in Thiruvananthapuram demanding relief measures

<p>Lakshadweep is at the centre of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-navy-deployed-for-rescue-operations-25555">cyclone </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-navy-deployed-for-rescue-operations-25555">Ockhi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-navy-deployed-for-rescue-operations-25555"> with&nbsp;heavy downpour </a>and gale winds expected in the next 24 hours, the Indian Metrological Department has said.</p>

<p>India has posted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-pounds-tamil-nadu-kerala-claims-eight-lives-25548">Naval vessels around Lakshadeep</a> and rescued at least eight fishermen caught in choppy waters. Reports say at least 30 fishermen are still missing.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;The fishermen were found floating in the water by advance light helicopter,&quot; a Navy spokesman told PTI.</p>

<p>The Indian Meteorological Department said cyclone Ockhi has intensified into a &nbsp;&quot;severe cyclone&quot; and lies at about 110 km northeast of Minicoy island and it is &quot;likely to cross Lakshadweep arch during the next 24 hours.&quot;</p>

<p>Heavy rainfall has been forecast in several places around Lakshadweep. South Tamil Nadu has been lashed with heavy rains with Kanyakumari district bearing the brunt of rainfall.</p>

<p>The storm has made its way to Sri Lanka with reports of at least seven people being killed and several fishermen missing.</p>

<p>Heavy winds hit the island&rsquo;s southern, western and south-central areas on Thursday, as a result, the government declared a holiday for schools in the rain-hit areas.</p>

<p>At least hundred&nbsp;people are feared missing across India and Sri Lanka, with the storm having claimed at least sixteen lives as it makes its way through India&#39;s western islands.</p>

<p><strong>Track Cyclone Okhi&#39;s path:</strong></p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.skymetweather.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cyclone-Ockhi-Path.gif" /></p>


The Indian Meteorological Department said cyclone Ockhi has intensified into a ?'severe cyclone'

Lakshadweep is at the centre of cyclone Ockhi with heavy downpour and gale winds expected in the next 24 hours, the Indian Metrological Department has said. India has posted Naval vessels around Lakshadeep and rescued at least eight fishermen caught in choppy waters. Reports say at least 30 fishermen are still missing. "The fishermen were found floating in the water by advance light helicopter," a Navy spokesman told PTI. The Indian Meteorological Department said cyclone Ockhi has intensified into a "severe cyclone" and lies at about 110 km northeast of Minicoy island and it is "likely to cross Lakshadweep arch during the next 24 hours." Heavy rainfall has been forecast in several places around Lakshadweep. South Tamil Nadu has been lashed with heavy rains with Kanyakumari district bearing the brunt of rainfall. The storm has made its way to Sri Lanka with reports of at least seven people being killed and several fishermen missing. Heavy winds hit the island’s southern, western and south-central areas on Thursday, as a result, the government declared a holiday for schools in the rain-hit areas. At least hundred people are feared missing across India and Sri Lanka, with the storm having claimed at least sixteen lives as it makes its way through India's western islands. Track Cyclone Okhi's path:

Watch: Cyclone Ockhi nears Lakshadweep, at least 16 dead in India, Sri Lanka

<p>A tropical storm has killed at least seven people and left five fishermen missing in Sri Lanka, bringing down trees across main roads and on houses, officials said on Thursday, warning of landslides and flooding in severely hit areas.</p>

<p>Heavy winds hit the island&rsquo;s southern, western and south-central areas.</p>

<p>&ldquo;At the moment, there are reports of seven deaths, five missing, and more than 20,000 affected,&rdquo; said Pradeep Kodippili, spokesman for the state-run Disaster Management Centre.</p>

<p>The government declared a holiday for schools in the rain-hit areas on Thursday.</p>

<p>Floods and landslides killed more than 200 people each year in Sri Lanka. Flash floods and landslides in May killed at least 122 people.</p>

<p>The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s south is usually from May to September.</p>


A tropical storm has killed at least seven people and left five fishermen missing in Sri Lanka, bringing down trees across main roads and on houses, officials said on Thursday, warning of landslides and flooding in severely hit areas.

A tropical storm has killed at least seven people and left five fishermen missing in Sri Lanka, bringing down trees across main roads and on houses, officials said on Thursday, warning of landslides and flooding in severely hit areas. Heavy winds hit the island’s southern, western and south-central areas. “At the moment, there are reports of seven deaths, five missing, and more than 20,000 affected,” said Pradeep Kodippili, spokesman for the state-run Disaster Management Centre. The government declared a holiday for schools in the rain-hit areas on Thursday. Floods and landslides killed more than 200 people each year in Sri Lanka. Flash floods and landslides in May killed at least 122 people. The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka’s south is usually from May to September.

Watch: Tropical storm hits Sri Lanka, at least 7 dead

<p>A tropical cyclone killed 19 people on the&nbsp;Indonesian island of Java, officials said on Wednesday, with most of the victims caught under a landslide.</p>

<p>Video footage showed rivers overflowing and roads and villages submerged in brown water after the storm struck on Tuesday.</p>

<p>&quot;Nineteen people have died, thousands of homes have been flooded and other damage has been caused,&quot; Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Two nearby airports were briefly closed but had since reopened. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-officials-extend-bali-airport-closure-over-volcanic-ash-25387">Flights around&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;have been disrupted </a>due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-orders-immediate-evacuation-as-highest-alert-issued-for-bali-volcano-25273">the eruption of a volcano on the neighbouring holiday island of Bali to the east</a>.</p>


'Nineteen people have died, thousands of homes have been flooded and other damage has been caused,' Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Twitter

A tropical cyclone killed 19 people on the Indonesian island of Java, officials said on Wednesday, with most of the victims caught under a landslide. Video footage showed rivers overflowing and roads and villages submerged in brown water after the storm struck on Tuesday. "Nineteen people have died, thousands of homes have been flooded and other damage has been caused," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Twitter. Two nearby airports were briefly closed but had since reopened. Flights around Indonesia have been disrupted due to the eruption of a volcano on the neighbouring holiday island of Bali to the east.

Cyclone kills 19 in Indonesia's Java

<p>In 2004, the tsunami, which was caused due to the earthquake in the Indian Ocean left a dark chapter in Indian history. Memories from that unfortunate event still haunt India. According to reports, in India, 10,749 people lost their lives and 5,640 are still missing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not to forget the recent Uttarakhand floods of 2013, which gave goosebumps to all those who were watching the rescue operations, videos and images live on their TV screens and on social media.</p>

<p>Also, the Gujarat earthquake that occurred in 2001 which claimed 25,000 lives and the super cyclone in&nbsp;Odisha that caused severe damage to human lives and property.</p>

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<h5>India became the first country to set up its own National Disaster Management Division.</h5>
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<p>Disasters natural or man-made are common throughout the world. It continues to occur without warning and the magnitude and frequency&nbsp;is intensifying with every new occurrence.</p>

<p>Even developed countries like the USA cannot save themselves from such&nbsp;disasters. In 2017, hurricane Maria had hit the northeastern coast of the USA, causing damage worth $51.2 billion.</p>

<p>Floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, hailstorms, droughts etc. are the most frequently occurring disasters in India. Recently, huge parts of the Indian region was submerged in water due to torrential rains causing immeasurable loss to&nbsp;the country.</p>

<p>The damage&nbsp;is not limited to only humans, animals are also affected by disasters. In 2017, Assam was affected badly by floods, there was a huge impact on endangered species especially on the one-horned rhino. Around 225 animals died in Kaziranga Nationa Park, 15 rhinos were found dead.</p>

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<h5>If a natural or man-made disaster hits Indian region, then are we ready?</h5>
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<p>Displacement of the population, scarcity of food, loss of property and houses, emotional aftershocks are few human impact of natural disasters. The poorly constructed buildings, rapid increase in population, lack of economic nets, poor forecast and late warnings are few of the reasons that are responsible for the large-scale destruction.</p>

<p>India is one of&nbsp;the world&#39;s most disaster-prone country due to its geo-climatic condition and large population. With&nbsp;every nation concentrating on disaster reduction, India recently set up its own National Disaster Management Division. For this attempt, India was praised by the UN.</p>

<p>But the question is:&nbsp;if a natural or man-made disaster hits the Indian region in the near future, then will we be ready? With every new shocking event, the percentage and degree of destruction is increasing manifolds. It&#39;s getting magnified due to the excessive loss of lives and property and poor assessment of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If a stampede that broke out because of false rumour at the Prabhadevi railway station in Mumbai, which killed at least 23 people then, what an earthquake or a&nbsp;cyclone can&nbsp;do is unimaginable!</p>

<p>To decrease the impact of the disaster on human lives, it is very necessary to have proper knowledge about government policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management, also creating a network for disaster management is important.</p>

<p>It is impossible to curb the frequency of disasters but with proper initiative, pre-planning, accuracy in decision making through which the impact of a major disaster can be reduced.</p>


Developing a network for disaster management is important to reduce impact of disaster

In 2004, the tsunami, which was caused due to the earthquake in the Indian Ocean left a dark chapter in Indian history. Memories from that unfortunate event still haunt India. According to reports, in India, 10,749 people lost their lives and 5,640 are still missing. Not to forget the recent Uttarakhand floods of 2013, which gave goosebumps to all those who were watching the rescue operations, videos and images live on their TV screens and on social media. Also, the Gujarat earthquake that occurred in 2001 which claimed 25,000 lives and the super cyclone in Odisha that caused severe damage to human lives and property. India became the first country to set up its own National Disaster Management Division. × Disasters natural or man-made are common throughout the world. It continues to occur without warning and the magnitude and frequency is intensifying with every new occurrence. Even developed countries like the USA cannot save themselves from such disasters. In 2017, hurricane Maria had hit the northeastern coast of the USA, causing damage worth $51.2 billion. Floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, hailstorms, droughts etc. are the most frequently occurring disasters in India. Recently, huge parts of the Indian region was submerged in water due to torrential rains causing immeasurable loss to the country. The damage is not limited to only humans, animals are also affected by disasters. In 2017, Assam was affected badly by floods, there was a huge impact on endangered species especially on the one-horned rhino. Around 225 animals died in Kaziranga Nationa Park, 15 rhinos were found dead. If a natural or man-made disaster hits Indian region, then are we ready? × Displacement of the population, scarcity of food, loss of property and houses, emotional aftershocks are few human impact of natural disasters. The poorly constructed buildings, rapid increase in population, lack of economic nets, poor forecast and late warnings are few of the reasons that are responsible for the large-scale destruction. India is one of the world's most disaster-prone country due to its geo-climatic condition and large population. With every nation concentrating on disaster reduction, India recently set up its own National Disaster Management Division. For this attempt, India was praised by the UN. But the question is: if a natural or man-made disaster hits the Indian region in the near future, then will we be ready? With every new shocking event, the percentage and degree of destruction is increasing manifolds. It's getting magnified due to the excessive loss of lives and property and poor assessment of the situation. If a stampede that broke out because of false rumour at the Prabhadevi railway station in Mumbai, which killed at least 23 people then, what an earthquake or a cyclone can do is unimaginable! To decrease the impact of the disaster on human lives, it is very necessary to have proper knowledge about government policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management, also creating a network for disaster management is important. It is impossible to curb the frequency of disasters but with proper initiative, pre-planning, accuracy in decision making through which the impact of a major disaster can be reduced.

India needs to focus on disaster reduction management

<p>A&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;barrelled into the south-east coast of India on Monday, killing at least ten people and bringing down trees and power lines as authorities moved tens of thousands of people from low-lying areas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QuickFacts?src=hash">#QuickFacts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cyclonevardah?src=hash">#cyclonevardah</a><br />
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Human loss 10(4 in Chennai, 2 in Kancheepuram, 2 in Tiruvallur, 1 in Villupuram and 1 in Nagapattinam).</p>
&mdash; NDMA India (@ndmaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia/status/808388625591320576">December 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cyclone&nbsp;Vardah moved west over the Bay of Bengal before hitting Chennai, the&nbsp;capital of Tamil Nadu, as well as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Meteorological Department said, describing it as a &quot;very severe storm&quot;.</p>

<p>Strong winds of up to 140 kph (87 mph) battered the densely populated coast, uprooting trees and bringing down electricity pylons.</p>

<p>Flights at Chennai airport were cancelled, railway services in the area suspended and schools and colleges were closed.</p>

<p>Chennai is home to Indian operations of major auto firms such as Ford Motor Daimler Hyundai and Nissan.</p>

<p>Vardah is forecast to pass over Chennai over the next few hours, drenching the city in heavy rain before easing in intensity, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.</p>

<p>&quot;Winds to pick up after current lull period. Everyone to not venture out,&quot; the NDMA said on Twitter, adding that two people had been killed and 24 homes damaged.</p>

<p>&quot;Expect very heavy rainfall after few hours. To become better once system crosses completely.&quot;</p>

<p>A &quot;storm surge&quot; will be about one metre (three feet) high.</p>

<p>More than 23,000 people in Tamil Nadu have been moved to relief centres, with plans for tens of thousands more to be evacuated if needed, a senior state official, K. Satyagopal, told Reuters.</p>

<p>More than 10,000 people from two districts in Andhra Pradesh had also been moved, its disaster management commissioner, M.V. Seshagiri Babu, said.</p>

<p>The NDMA warned fishermen not to venture out to sea for the next 36 hours, and urged residents to stay in safe places.</p>

<p>Navy ships and aircraft, as well as 30 diving teams, were on standby to help move people and deliver aid if needed, a navy spokesman said.</p>

<p>India&#39;s&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;season usually runs from April to December, with storms often causing dozens of deaths, evacuations of tens of thousands of people and widespread damage to crops and property.</p>

<p>Wind speeds topped 300 km per hour (186 mph) in an Indian &quot;super-cyclone&quot; that killed 10,000 people in 1999, while a&nbsp;cyclone&nbsp;packing speeds of more than 200 kph (124 mph) lashed the east coast in 2013.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu government had declared a&nbsp;holiday for educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal taluks of Villupuram.</p>

<p>Rail and flight services here have been affected, officials said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sullurpeta (Andhra Pradesh): Crude oil tanker overturns due to strong winds &amp; storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cyclonevardah?src=hash">#cyclonevardah</a> <a href="https://t.co/PIxwhzTVn6">pic.twitter.com/PIxwhzTVn6</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/808232753753792514">December 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>Around 25 incoming flights, including those from international destinations, were diverted to the nearby Hyderabad and Bangalore airports due to strong winds and poor visibility, airport officials said.</p>

<p>Nearly 25 outbound flights were delayed, officials said, adding that there was no inundation of the runway.</p>

<p>Sri Lankan Airlines said all its Chennai-bound flights were cancelled till Tuesday&nbsp;morning.</p>

<p>The Southern Railways, meanwhile, announced suspension of services on the Chennai Beach and Velacherry MRTS route.</p>

<p>Similarly, suburban rail services on the MMC-Gummidipoondi line were also suspended until further notice. Some passenger trains coming to Chennai and leaving the city were also diverted.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Flights at Chennai airport were cancelled, railway services in the area suspended and schools and colleges were closed

A cyclone barrelled into the south-east coast of India on Monday, killing at least ten people and bringing down trees and power lines as authorities moved tens of thousands of people from low-lying areas. #QuickFacts #cyclonevardah Human loss 10(4 in Chennai, 2 in Kancheepuram, 2 in Tiruvallur, 1 in Villupuram and 1 in Nagapattinam). — NDMA India (@ndmaindia) December 12, 2016 × Cyclone Vardah moved west over the Bay of Bengal before hitting Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, as well as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Meteorological Department said, describing it as a "very severe storm". Strong winds of up to 140 kph (87 mph) battered the densely populated coast, uprooting trees and bringing down electricity pylons. Flights at Chennai airport were cancelled, railway services in the area suspended and schools and colleges were closed. Chennai is home to Indian operations of major auto firms such as Ford Motor Daimler Hyundai and Nissan. Vardah is forecast to pass over Chennai over the next few hours, drenching the city in heavy rain before easing in intensity, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. "Winds to pick up after current lull period. Everyone to not venture out," the NDMA said on Twitter, adding that two people had been killed and 24 homes damaged. "Expect very heavy rainfall after few hours. To become better once system crosses completely." A "storm surge" will be about one metre (three feet) high. More than 23,000 people in Tamil Nadu have been moved to relief centres, with plans for tens of thousands more to be evacuated if needed, a senior state official, K. Satyagopal, told Reuters. More than 10,000 people from two districts in Andhra Pradesh had also been moved, its disaster management commissioner, M.V. Seshagiri Babu, said. The NDMA warned fishermen not to venture out to sea for the next 36 hours, and urged residents to stay in safe places. Navy ships and aircraft, as well as 30 diving teams, were on standby to help move people and deliver aid if needed, a navy spokesman said. India's cyclone season usually runs from April to December, with storms often causing dozens of deaths, evacuations of tens of thousands of people and widespread damage to crops and property. Wind speeds topped 300 km per hour (186 mph) in an Indian "super-cyclone" that killed 10,000 people in 1999, while a cyclone packing speeds of more than 200 kph (124 mph) lashed the east coast in 2013. The Tamil Nadu government had declared a holiday for educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal taluks of Villupuram. Rail and flight services here have been affected, officials said. Sullurpeta (Andhra Pradesh): Crude oil tanker overturns due to strong winds & storm #cyclonevardah pic.twitter.com/PIxwhzTVn6 — ANI (@ANI_news) December 12, 2016 × Around 25 incoming flights, including those from international destinations, were diverted to the nearby Hyderabad and Bangalore airports due to strong winds and poor visibility, airport officials said. Nearly 25 outbound flights were delayed, officials said, adding that there was no inundation of the runway. Sri Lankan Airlines said all its Chennai-bound flights were cancelled till Tuesday morning. The Southern Railways, meanwhile, announced suspension of services on the Chennai Beach and Velacherry MRTS route. Similarly, suburban rail services on the MMC-Gummidipoondi line were also suspended until further notice. Some passenger trains coming to Chennai and leaving the city were also diverted. (PTI)

India: Ten dead as Cyclone Vardah lashes southern states

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