Severe cyclone hits eastern Indian coast with wind, rain

A severe cyclone has damaged mud huts and uprooted trees and electric poles in eastern India where authorities have moved nearly 300,000 people to higher ground.

The India Meteorological Department says the cyclonic storm named “Titli,” or Butterfly, had winds blowing up to 150 kilometers per hour (95 mph) and spread widespread rain Thursday in coastal districts in eastern Orissa state.

Schools have been closed and air and train travel curtailed. Authorities also set up more than 800 cyclone and flood shelters stocked with food and relief materials.

Fishermen have stayed away from the sea with a storm surge of about a meter (3 feet).

Bangladesh’s coastal districts were also warned to prepare for possible storm effects there. Boats were ordered ashore and inland ferries were told to suspend services.