Cyclone Titli

{{Short description|North Indian Ocean cyclone in 2018}} {{use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{use Indian English|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox weather event | name = Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli | image = Titli 2018-10-10 0745Z.jpg | caption = Cyclone Titli at peak intensity approaching Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on 10 October | formed = 8 October 2018 | dissipated = 12 October 2018 }}{{Infobox weather event/IMD | winds = 80 | pressure = 972 }}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC | winds = 105 | pressure = 944 }}{{Infobox weather event/Effects | year = 2018 | fatalities = 89 total | damage = 920000000 | areas = Northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bangladesh }}{{Infobox weather event/Footer | season = 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season }} '''Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli'''{{efn|The name ''Titli'' (Urdu: تتلی, [[Help:IPA/Urdu|[t̪ɪt̪liː]]]) was contributed by Pakistan and means "butterfly" in Urdu.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-cyclone-titli-got-its-name/articleshow/66158064.cms|title=Titli today, Gaja tomorrow; here's how cyclones are named|date=October 11, 2018|website=The Times of India|access-date=April 16, 2025|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031456/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-cyclone-titli-got-its-name/articleshow/66158064.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>}} was a deadly and destructive tropical cyclone that caused extensive damage to Eastern India in October 2018. Titli was the twelfth depression and fifth named storm to form in the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Titli originated from a low pressure area in the Andaman Sea on 7 October. With warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, the low developed into a depression on 8 October in the central Bay of Bengal. It was tracked and followed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which also issued warnings and notices for the public. Titli continued to intensify at it moved toward the southeast Indian coast, becoming a very severe cyclonic storm, equivalent to a minimal hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale. It attained the intensity at the same time Cyclone Luban in the Arabian Sea was at the same intensity, marking the first instance since 1977 of simultaneous storms. The IMD estimated peak winds of {{convert|150|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}, while the American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak winds of {{convert|195|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}. Late on 10 October, Titli made landfall in Andhra Pradesh, and it quickly weakened over land as it turned to the northeast. It degenerated into a remnant low on 12 October.

Ahead of the storm's landfall in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, about 300,000 people evacuated. Titli ultimately killed 89 people from its impacts, including 85 in India. The cyclone produced strong winds, with gusts to {{convert|126|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, along with a storm surge that flooded coastal areas. The storm also dropped heavy rainfall as it moved through India. Mohana in Odisha recorded {{convert|460|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall over 48 hours. This caused floods and landslides, crop damage, fallen trees, and power outages that affected at least 400,000 people. Throughout India, Titli damaged 127,081 houses, forcing 63,562 people to stay in relief camps. Damage in the country was estimated at ₹6,673.1 crore (US$920 million). Four people died in Bangladesh due to landslides.

==Meteorological history== {{storm path|Titli 2018 path.png|colors=new}} 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 {{convert|31|C|F|abbr=on}} and low wind shear. Early on 7 October, a low pressure area developed in the Andaman Sea, accompanied by intense convection, or thunderstorms.<ref name="imd">{{cite report|title=Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "Titli" over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal (08–13 October 2018): A Report|date=January 2019|publisher=India Meteorological Department|access-date=January 22, 2022|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/report/26/26_dd893c_Titli.pdf}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810070900.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522074245/https://www.webcitation.org/730jpKPgU?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810070900.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2024-05-22|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=October 7, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> On 8 October, the system organized into a depression in the central Bay of Bengal, supported by a moist environment.<ref name="imd"/>

The circulation gradually became better organized, developing outflow in its periphery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810070900.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522074245/https://www.webcitation.org/730jpKPgU?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810070900.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2024-05-22|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> 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''.<ref name="imd"/> Also on 9 October, the JTWC initiated warnings on the system, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 06B.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO32-PGTW_201810090900.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522074327/https://www.webcitation.org/732LPlbZo?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO32-PGTW_201810090900.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2024-05-22|title=Tropical Cyclone 06B (Six) Warning NR 001|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> 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 {{convert|150|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} according to the IMD.<ref name="imd"/> Meanwhile, the JTWC assessed that the cyclone reached peak winds of {{convert|195|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}, the equivalent of a Category 3 on the Saffir–Simpson scale.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ibtracs.unca.edu/index.php?name=v04r00-2018281N14088|title = IBTrACS - International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship}}</ref>

Late on 10 October, Titli made landfall near Palasa, Andhra Pradesh, at peak intensity, as its eye contracted to a diameter of {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="imd"/> The storm quickly weakened over land as it turned to the northeast through Odisha state, encountering cooler, drier air as it moved around the western end of the ridge.<ref name="imd"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO32-PGTW_201810110300.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522074406/https://www.webcitation.org/735IbCXTi?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO32-PGTW_201810110300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2024-05-22|title=Tropical Cyclone 06B (Titli) Warning NR 008|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref name="imd"/>

==Preparations, impacts, and aftermath== [[File:Luban and Titli 2018-10-10 0745Z–0926Z.jpg|thumb|right|Very Severe Cyclonic Storms Luban (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.<ref>{{cite report|title=Sub: (a) Deep depression intensified into Cyclonic Storm 'TITLI' over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh & south Odisha coasts: Orange Message. (b) Cyclonic Storm, 'LUBAN' over westcentral Arabian Sea|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/indian_1539107814.pdf|publisher=India Meteorological Department|access-date=January 22, 2022|date=October 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Storm Waning Center: Special Weather Bulletin, SL No: 12 (Twelve)|work=Bangladesh Meteorological Department|date=October 10, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Special%20Weather%20Bulletin.pdf|access-date=January 22, 2022}}</ref> The IMD issued various bulletins and warnings for the public via social media, WhatsApp, and other briefings to the press.<ref name="imd"/> Officials advised people in coastal areas to evacuate,<ref>{{cite report|title=Sub: (a) Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'TITLI' over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh & south Odisha coasts: Red Message.; (b) Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, 'LUBAN' over westcentral Arabian Sea|publisher=Government of India|work=India Meteorological Department|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2022|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/indian_1539193947.pdf|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref> and ultimately about 300,000 people left their houses, using about 2,000 shelters and relief camps.<ref>{{cite report|work=European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations|title=India – Tropical Cyclone Titli Update (DG ECHO, GDACS, JTWC, IMD, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 11 October 2018)|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2022|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/india-tropical-cyclone-titli-update-dg-echo-gdacs-jtwc-imd-media-echo-daily-flash-11|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref> 123 pregnant women were transported to hospitals as a precaution.<ref name="odi"/> Schools and child-care centers were closed in parts of Odisha.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/odisha-andhra-red-alert-cyclone-titli-inches-close|title=Odisha, Andhra on red alert as cyclone Titli inches close|newspaper=Times of India|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2022|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref> The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority suspended river transport vessels during the passage of the storm.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=BDNews24|title=Bangladesh shuts river transports as Cyclone Titli intensifies|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2022|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2018/10/10/bangladesh-shuts-river-transports-as-cyclone-titli-intensifies}}</ref>

While moving through southeastern India, Titli dropped heavy rainfall. Mohana, Odisha recorded {{convert|460|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall over 48 hours. Tekkali in northeastern Andhra Pradesh recorded {{convert|330|mm|in|abbr=on}} 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 {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The cyclone also produced strong winds near its landfall point, with gusts estimated as high as {{convert|165|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}.<ref name="imd"/> Korlam in extreme northeastern Andhra Pradesh recorded wind gusts of {{convert|126|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="goi1011">{{cite report|title=Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Preliminary Report on Cyclone 'TITLI' Date: 11th October 2018 Time: 17:00 Hours|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Andhra%20Prades%20TITLI%20%281700%20Hours%29.pdf|publisher=Government of India|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2022|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref>

Across southeastern India, Titli killed 85 people, with eight of the deaths in Andhra Pradesh, and the other 77 in Odisha.<ref name="imd" /> In Gajapati district in Odisha, a single landslide killed 12 people, after residents sought refuge in a cave.<ref name="goi1015">{{cite report|title=12 killed in landslide in cyclone Titli-hit Odisha|publisher=Government of India|access-date=January 22, 2022|date=October 15, 2018|via=ReliefWeb|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/12-killed-landslide-cyclone-titli-hit-odisha}}</ref> Other deaths occurred due to floods, housing damage, and falling trees.<ref name="Odisha death">{{cite news|url=http://www.orissapost.com/odisha-reports-77-deaths-in-cyclone-titli/|title=Titli toll 77; missing cases under lens|work=Orissa Post|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}}</ref><ref name="goi1011"/> Damage from flooding caused by Titli totaled at ₹3,673.1 crore (US$507 million) in Andhra Pradesh,<ref name="Andhra damage">{{cite news|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/chandrababu-naidu-urges-fast-release-of-aid-to-rehabilitate-titli-victims201810261852400001/|title=Chandrababu Naidu urges fast release of aid to rehabilitate Titli victims|publisher=ANI|date=October 26, 2018|access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref> and ₹3,000 crore (US$413 million) in Odisha.<ref name="Odisha damage">{{cite news|author=V Kamalakara Rao|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/support-dries-up-for-srikakulam-odisha-after-charity-blitz-in-kerala/articleshow/66338573.cms|title=Support dries up for Srikakulam, Odisha after charity blitz in Kerala|work=Times of India|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> Along its path, Titli damaged 127,081 houses, forcing 63,562 people to stay in relief camps.<ref name="sphere">{{cite report|date=November 9, 2018|title=Humanitarian Snapshot Report 12: Aftermath of Cyclone Titli in AP and Odisha, Oct- 8 Nov 2018|at=ReliefWeb|publisher=Sphere India|access-date=February 3, 2022|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/humanitarian-snapshot-report-12-aftermath-of-cyclone-titli-in-ap-and-odisha_2018_0.pdf}}</ref> Floodwaters entered the jail in Asika.<ref name="sphere"/> Two major rivers, the Rushikulya and the Vamsadhara, swelled to reach dangerous levels, causing flooding in three districts that affected more than 600,000 people.<ref name="river">{{cite report|title=Cyclone Titli: Govt steps up relief operations in Odisha|publisher=Government of India|date=October 13, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2022|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/cyclone-titli-govt-steps-relief-operations-odisha}}</ref> The cyclone uprooted many trees along its path,<ref name="imd" /> blocking roads and knocking down power lines.<ref name="imd" /><ref name="goi1011"/> Authorities estimated that 6,000 to 7,000 electrical poles were uprooted by Titli's strong winds. As a result, 400,000 to 500,000 people were without power in Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-10-11|title=Cyclone Titli: Eastern India battered by deadly storm|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45827150|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> In Srikakulam, residents faced water shortages when the storm polluted wells and water systems. At least five bridges were damaged across the area.<ref name="sphere"/> Floods damaged more than {{convert|3785|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} of crops,<ref name="caritas"/> and killed many farm animals, including more than 40,000 birds.<ref name="sphere"/> Titli caused major destruction to the East Coast railway, forcing the cancellation of at least six trains.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=NDTV|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-trains-cancelled-as-cyclone-titli-damages-railway-stations-1930631|title=6 Trains Cancelled As Cyclone Titli Damages Railway Stations |date=October 12, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> In Visakhapatnam along the coast, the winds damaged six boats. Three people were lost when their boat went missing from Vizianagaram.<ref name="goi1011"/>

To help residents affected by the storm, the Odisha government provided financial compensation to families for 15 days, with a family of four receiving more than ₹3,000 (US$22).<ref name="river"/> After the storm, 15 teams from the National Disaster Response Force, along with the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, were placed around Odisha.<ref name="boy">{{cite news|work=Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/odisha-andhra-cyclone-titli-live-updates-imd-issues-red-alert-in-state-5394721/|title=Cyclone Titli HIGHLIGHTS: 12 dead in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal|date=October 13, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> Firefighters and other crews removed trees from roads. Officials provided meals and plastic sheeting for people affected by storm damage.<ref name="odi">{{Cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Odisha%20Report%2011.10.2018%203.30%20PM.pdf|date=October 11, 2018|title=Odisha Situation Report: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "TITLI", Date: 11.10.2018, 3.30 PM|publisher=Government of India|access-date=January 22, 2022|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref> Helicopters dropped meals to people in difficult to reach areas.<ref name="goi1015"/> Caritas India, a Catholic relief organization, provided families with sheeting and cleaning, including mosquito nets, blankets, and tarpaulins.<ref name="caritas">{{cite report|date=November 2, 2018|title=Cyclone Titli: Caritas India reaching out to the most affected people with relief materials|at=ReliefWeb|publisher=Caritas|access-date=February 2, 2022|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/cyclone-titli-caritas-india-reaching-out-most-affected-people-relief-materials}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/chandrababu-naidu-promises-all-help-to-titli-victims/article25208382.ece|date=October 12, 2018|access-date=July 15, 2022|title=Chandrababu Naidu promises all help to Titli Victims}}</ref>

Cyclone Titli's effects extended into Bangladesh, where Cox's Bazar recorded three days of heavy rainfall.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/66470.pdf|title=UNHCR Bangladesh Operational Update, 1 - 15 October 2018|work=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees|date=October 15, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2022|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref> There, the storm damaged at least 15 buildings, including some facilities for Rohingya refugee camps.<ref>{{cite report|title=Humanitarian crisis management programme in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh - Activity Update|date=October 24, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/HCMP-weekly-activity-update-_-24-October-2018.pdf|access-date=January 22, 2022|via=ReliefWeb}}</ref> Landslides in Chittagong killed four people after wrecking two houses.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2018/10/10/bangladesh-shuts-river-transports-as-cyclone-titli-intensifies|date=October 14, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2022|title=Landslides kill four in Chattogram}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Tropical cyclones}} * Cyclone Amphan * Cyclone Fani

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season buttons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Titli}} Category:2018 in India Category:2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season Category:Very severe cyclonic storms Category:October 2018 in Asia Category:Tropical cyclones in India Category:Tropical cyclones in 2018

Cyclone Titli

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