Cyclone Gulab crosses the coasts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha, two deaths have been reported so far

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed on Sunday that cyclonic storm ‘Gulaab’ has crossed the coasts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha.

“Cyclone Gulab crossed the coasts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha about 20 km north of Kalingapatnam and lay centered at 20:30 hrs IST on 26 September 2021,” the IMD had tweeted.

In its most recent update, the IMD also informed that Cyclone Gulab was about 20 km north of Kalingapatnam between 7:30 and 8:30 hrs IST, and centered over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh at 8:30 hrs IST.

It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and weaken into deep depression during next 6 hours.

2 deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam

In terms of casualties, six fishermen from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh fell into the sea after strong waves hit their boat off the Mandasa coast when they were returning this evening.

Out of these 6 persons, three reached the shore safely and two others died. ANI reported that a fisherman aboard the boat is still missing.

Earlier, referring to IMD’s cyclone alert in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Satya Narayan Pradhan had informed that 13 teams (24 sub-teams) have been sent to Odisha and five to Andhra Pradesh. has been posted in.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has set a ‘zero casualty’ target in vulnerable districts as the state prepares to ‘rose’ after Cyclone Yas wreaks havoc in May, news agency PTI reported.

Giving information about the current situation, Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena said that the process of landslide which started around 6 pm is still going on. The full cloud is expected to move from seaside to landside in 1 to 1.5 hours. Light to moderate rain continued in Odisha.

“The IMD report indicates that the rains are likely to increase as the night progresses. The district administration has asked to be vigilant. No major landslides have happened so far. Till 9 pm, around 39,000 people have been evacuated in 6 districts,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Read also | Cyclone Gulab: PM Modi talks to Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, assures Centre’s support

PM Modi talks to Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to take stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Gulab.

Giving details of the conversation, PM Narendra Modi tweeted: “Spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM Shri YS Jagan and took stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Gulab. Assured all possible help from the centre. I pray for everyone’s safety and well being.”

In another tweet, he wrote: “Discussed with CM Naveen Patnaik ji on cyclone situation in parts of Odisha. The Center has assured all possible help to overcome this adverse situation. Praying for everyone’s safety and well being.”

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also chaired a virtual meeting in Delhi to review the preparedness in the wake of Cyclone Gulab. He spoke to the Chief Secretary and District Collectors of Odisha to discuss the precautionary measures. “There are a total of ten districts which will be affected by the cyclone till this evening”, he was quoted as saying by ANI.

On Saturday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a meeting to review the state’s preparedness. He directed the officials to take all necessary steps, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) informed.

Officials informed CM Reddy that village secretariat-wise control rooms had been set up and added that they have prepared disaster management staff in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts.

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