'Titli' aims at Indian coasts

A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has turned into a severe cyclonic storm named “Titli”, which moved north-northwest towards the coasts of Andhra and Odisha in India.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department yesterday directed the maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal No 4 as the sea would be rough due to the cyclone.

According to meteorologists in Bangladesh, Titli may affect the Sundarbans.

All fishing boats and trawlers that ply over the North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.

At noon yesterday, cyclone Titli was centred about 910km southwest of Chattogram port, 870km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 775km southwest of Mongla port and 780km southwest of Payra port, said a Met office special bulletin, adding that the cyclone was likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction.

In a 64km radius of the cyclone's centre, the maximum sustained wind speed was about 90kmph, rising to 110kmph in gusts. The sea would remain rough near the system centre, said the special bulletin.

Launches remain docked at Barishal river port after operation of all types of water transport was suspended across the country following inclement weather due to formation of cyclonic storm “Titli” in the Bay. Photo: Titu Das

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) yesterday suspended the operation of all types of water transport across the country.

Mobarak Hossain, BIWTA public relations officer, said plying of launches, ferries and speedboats would remain halted on all waterways throughout the country until further notice.

He said the decision was taken as Titli had intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the West-Central Bay and its adjoining areas.

On the other hand, Chattogram district administration asked a 100 families living at foot of the hills to relocate, fearing landslide following daylong rainfall caused by cyclone Titli.

Passengers including women and children stranded at the river port. The photos were taken yesterday afternoon. Photo: Titu Das

Md Elias Hossen, deputy secretary of Chattogram district administration, said they engaged four teams, led by the executive magistrate, to relocate those who were exposed to landslides, adding that at least 100 families have moved from hills, including Motijorna, Batali Hill, AK Khan area and Pahartholi.

Most of the families had taken refuge at their relative's house and others at shelter homes, he said, adding that Shahidnagar City Corporation High School made temporary shelter for people.

In Dhaka and some other parts of the country, the cyclone has caused clusters of clouds in the sky.

The Indian Met Office said Titli may change its course a little and move towards West Bengal after making landfall and would gradually weaken.