The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for Africa and Asia recently addressed the severe cyclonic storm, ‘Titli’, that struck Odisha as the ‘rarest cyclone’. The unique characteristics of Titli, including its recurvature after landfall and sustained destructive potential, truly made it an anomaly in weather system records.
Characteristics of Titli Cyclone
Normally, when a storm’s eye passes over land, it is described as making landfall. However, Titli broke this convention, retaining its power after landfall and resisting from waning out for more than two days. Furthermore, the Titli cyclone had an unusual effect on the interior regions of Odisha, which are typically less impacted by cyclones whose intensity decreases as they move inland.
Challenges with Weather Prediction
The trajectory of the Titli cyclone was not captured by synthetic track projections, indicating our predictive models’ inability to foresee such rare types of cyclones. This poses a significant challenge for weather forecasting and disaster management, as was observed in the case of the Ockhi cyclone.
Table of Titli Cyclone Facts
| Name | Landfall Location | Duration | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titli | Odisha | More than 2 days | Interior districts affected |
Movement of Cyclones
Cyclones typically gain their strength from moisture in water bodies such as the Bay of Bengal, moving westwards and eventually wearing off. A re-curving cyclone, such as Titli, however, gains a ‘second wind’ due to air currents that push cold air from the poles towards the equator. This phenomenon causes them to deflect eastwards when they are expected to weaken.
About the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES)
The RIMES is an international institution owned and managed by its Member States, with an objective to generate early warning information. Established in 2009 after the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami, it is registered under the United Nations and operates from its regional early warning center in Thailand. Currently, India serves as the Council Chair of RIMES. Its work spans over 48 member and partner states, aiming to provide reliable and timely early warnings.
The Titli cyclone’s occurrence has prompted RIMES to suggest detailed risk assessment for regions like Odisha to better comprehend and mitigate the risks in future.
