Cyclone Gulab began its landfall process on Sunday evening, the India Meteorological Department said. The system is likely to cross North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur as a cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 75-85 kmph gusting to 96 kmph during the next three hours.
A red alert was sounded in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for a cyclonic warning and post landfall lookout. Cyclone Gulab is likely to move nearly westwards and cross north Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha coasts between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur.The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclone ‘Gulab’ on Saturday.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting on preparedness in the wake of the weather office report on the cyclone alert and directed officials to take all necessary steps.
“Control rooms have been setup village secretariat wise and added that they have readied disaster management staff in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts,” added the CMO.
The district collectors are taking steps to set up relief camps at required locations, the officials said. The Chief Minister directed the officials to be alert and take necessary steps as there are chances of heavy rains after cyclonic storm crosses the coast: CMO
West Bengal, however, heaved a sigh of relief for now, as the weatherman said the developing cyclonic storm is expected to give the region a miss, but also forecast the formation of a new low-pressure system near the coast of Myanmar, which, in all probability, will dump heavy rain in the state’s southern districts next week.
Cyclone Gulab is the second to hit Odisha in four months after Cyclone Yaas in May. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said efforts are on to ensure no casualties due to the cyclone in the seven high-risk districts – Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
“The next two hours are crucial. We expect winds to blow at the speed of 90-100 kmph. Two teams of NDRF and 4 teams of SDRF have arrived here. Heavy rainfall could lead to floods, which is another challenge. 19 mandals in the district are flood-prone,” Srikakulam collector Sumit Kumar said, news agency ANI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Mr Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured them of the centre’s support. “Discussed the cyclone situation in parts of Odisha with CM @Naveen_Odisha Ji. The Centre assures all possible support in overcoming this adversity,” PM Modi tweeted.
Five fishermen from Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam fell into the sea after strong waves hit their boat off Mandasa coast, ANI reported, adding police and other teams are trying to rescue them.
At least 42 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and 24 squads of the National Disaster Response Force, along with over 100 teams of firefighters have been dispatched to these places.
“The Chief Minister has asked people to remain indoors, particularly in pucca houses from Sunday evening till 10 am on Monday, during which the cyclone will pass through the region,” Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena told reporters.
