Since the sea condition will be rough, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off northwest and adjoining Odisha coasts of west-central Bay of Bengal till September 27.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday evening said that cyclonic storm ‘Gulaab’ (pronounced as Gul-Aab) has formed over northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. IMD has issued a cyclone warning for North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts.
At 5.30 pm on Saturday, cyclonic storm ‘Gulaab’ lay centered about 370 km east-southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 440 km east of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
The cyclone is very likely to move almost westwards and cross North Andhra Pradesh – South Odisha coasts between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur around Sunday evening.
Under its influence, heavy rain will occur at few places in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Kandhamal and Cuttack districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over Coastal and South Odisha districts for the next two days.
Squally wind speed reaching 75-85 kmph gusting to 95 kmph is very likely along Odisha coasts Ganjam, Gajapati districts, along with 55-55 kmph gusting to occur along Khordha, Puri, Rayagada and Koraput districts from Sunday afternoon. Squally wind speed reaching 75 kmph gusting to -65 kmph. The IMD bulletin said, 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
It said that thatch huts could be damaged, there could be minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches and paddy crop, banana, papaya trees and orchards.
Since the sea condition will be rough, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off northwest and adjoining Odisha coasts of west-central Bay of Bengal till September 27.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has asked the concerned district collectors to remain alert and take measures to deal with the cyclone.
Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena said 42 teams of ODRAF, 24 teams of NDRF and 102 teams of fire brigade will be deployed in seven districts, which are likely to be most affected by the cyclonic storm.
He said that the IMD has predicted that seven districts would receive low wind but heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday. Jena said the heavy rains could lead to flash floods in the Rushikulya, Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers and landslides and uprooting of small trees in Gajapati and Raigad districts.
“During the 2018 Cyclone Titli, we witnessed landfall in Gajapati district. We have directed officials in Gajapati and Rayagada districts to take appropriate steps to deal with the incidents of landslides. To take steps for proper evacuation in areas prone to landslides. Instructions have also been issued,” he added.
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