Bhubaneswar, September 26: As the cyclonic storm Gulab brewing in the Bay of Bengal is likely to cross the coast between south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts near Kalingapatnam today midnight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and took stock of the situation arising in the wake of cyclone.
“Discussed the cyclone situation in parts of #Odisha with CM Naveen Patnaik. The Centre assures all possible support in overcoming this adversity. Praying for the safety and well-being of everybody,” tweeted PM Modi.
As per the latest IMD bulletin, the landfall process will commence from 6 PM.
The cyclone will impact Ganjam and Gajapati districts in Odisha more during the landfall, compared to other districts. Rainfall up to 20 cm will lash several places. The wind speed in interior and rest of coast line areas of Odisha is expected to be between 40-50 kmph. It is expected to weaken after six hours of making the landfall and will remain as a depression for 12 hours.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed the Collectors to complete the evacuation of people from low-lying and vulnerable areas by Sunday afternoon and also announced that schools in 11 districts that are likely to be affected by cyclone ‘Gulab’ will remain closed on Monday.
The districts include Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Khurda, Puri, Nayagarh and Kalahandi.
“Cyclonic storm #Gulab at 3.30 PM of today about 105 km east-northeast of #Kalingapattnum and 100 km east-southeast of #Goplapur. To cross between Kalingapatnam & Gopalpur, as a cyclonic storm by mid-night of today. Landfall process will commence from 6 PM of today,” tweeted IMD.
