Cyclone Titli

As early as 3 October, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipated the development of a tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. Environmental conditions for development included warm sea surface temperatures up to and low wind shear. Early on 7 October, a low pressure area developed in the Andaman Sea, accompanied by intense convection, or thunderstorms. A weak anticyclone was located over an elongated low-level circulation associated with the system. With tropical cyclone forecast models uncertain about the system's future, the American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) assessed a low chance for development on 7 October. On 8 October, the system organized into a depression in the central Bay of Bengal, supported by a moist environment. The depression moved generally northwestward toward the southeast coast of India, steered by a ridge to its northeast. With favorable conditions, the depression gradually strengthened, first to a deep depression late on 8 October, and further into a cyclonic storm early the next day; at that time, the IMD named the storm Titli. As it approached the coast of India, Titli underwent rapid deepening as its structure evolved into a mature cyclone. The storm intensified into a severe cyclonic storm late on 9 October. Early the next day, Titli strengthened further into a very severe cyclonic storm, as an eye formed in the center of the thunderstorms. At the same time, Very Intense Cyclonic Storm Luban was located in the Arabian Sea, marking the first time since 1977 where there were two simultaneous very severe cyclonic storms in the North Indian Ocean. Titli continued strengthening, with estimated peak winds of according to the IMD. Late on 10 October, Titli made landfall near Palasa, Andhra Pradesh, at peak intensity, as its eye contracted to a diameter of . By late on 11 October, Titli fell back to depression status. It moved into West Bengal and weakened into a well-marked low on 12 October, spreading into neighboring Bangladesh. ==Preparations, impacts, and aftermath==

(left) and Titli (right) over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, respectively, on 10 October 2018 as two simultaneous cyclones Ahead of Titli's landfall, officials in India and Bangladesh warned for fishermen to avoid sailing through Titli in the Bay of Bengal and to seek shelter. The IMD issued various bulletins and warnings for the public via social media, WhatsApp, and other briefings to the press. and ultimately about 300,000 people left their houses, using about 2,000 shelters and relief camps. 123 pregnant women were transported to hospitals as a precaution. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority suspended river transport vessels during the passage of the storm. While moving through southeastern India, Titli dropped heavy rainfall. Mohana, Odisha recorded of rainfall over 48 hours. Tekkali in northeastern Andhra Pradesh recorded of precipitation over the same time period. Heavy rainfall also occurred in West Bengal and across northeast India. In addition to floods from rainfall, Titli produced a storm surge as it moved ashore. Palasa in Andhra Pradesh recorded a water rise of about . The cyclone also produced strong winds near its landfall point, with gusts estimated as high as . Across southeastern India, Titli killed 85 people, with eight of the deaths in Andhra Pradesh, and the other 77 in Odisha. Other deaths occurred due to floods, housing damage, and falling trees. and ₹3,000 crore (US$413 million) in Odisha. Along its path, Titli damaged 127,081 houses, forcing 63,562 people to stay in relief camps. Floodwaters entered the jail in Asika. The cyclone uprooted many trees along its path, In Srikakulam, residents faced water shortages when the storm polluted wells and water systems. At least five bridges were damaged across the area. In Visakhapatnam along the coast, the winds damaged six boats. Three people were lost when their boat went missing from Vizianagaram. Firefighters and other crews removed trees from roads. Officials provided meals and plastic sheeting for people affected by storm damage. Helicopters dropped meals to people in difficult to reach areas. In Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a series of relief measures to provide relief to people in Srikakulam District. After having undertaken visits to Mandals such as Vajrapukotturu and Palasa he ensured the supply of 50 kg worth rice to those belonging to the Fishermen community and 25 kg to those belonging to other communities. The government would also ensure the supply of other necessary goods such as potatoes, pulses and onions. Moreover, a compensation of Rs.1 lakh was given to the next to kin of the 7 people who lost their lives, along with other compensatory measures such as Rs. 1000 to those whose houses and shops were damaged, Rs. 5000 compensation for loss of cattle and compensation to farmers for damage to crops on basis of a survey. He also prioritized the immediate restoration of drinking water and power, clearing of roads by removing uprooted trees and undertaking repair work of railway stations and railway quarters. Cyclone Titli's effects extended into Bangladesh, where Cox's Bazar recorded three days of heavy rainfall. There, the storm damaged at least 15 buildings, including some facilities for Rohingya refugee camps. Landslides in Chittagong killed four people after wrecking two houses. ==See also==