Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon landing in India called up the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to take stock of the situation. Meanwhile, Cyclone Gulab made landfall at Eastern Coast on Sunday evening.
'Spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM Shri @ysjaganand took stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Gulab. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being,' the Prime Minister tweeted.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and took stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Gulab. ‘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 tweets PM Narendra Modi.
The cloud bands are entering the coastal regions and the landfall which commenced at around 6 pm on Sunday continues, IMD stated. The landfall will continue for the next two to three hours over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Coastal Odisha, the department said.
NDRF teams have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the landfall. They interacted with villagers and took stock of the situation.
NDRF teams deployed at AP coast
The incessant rains due to the effect of the cyclone caused a landslide at Gumma Block of Gajapati District. As many as 1600 people have been evacuated from the Gajapati district.
The coast gears up for Cyclone Gulab
The rescue teams have evacuated them from the hillside and low-lying areas of the Gajapati district. Six ODRAF and two NDRF teams have been deployed in the district. As sea conditions would be rough, the fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea of Odisha's northwest coast and adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal till September 27. The schools will be closed in 11 districts of Odisha.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday set a “zero casualty” target in the vulnerable districts of the state. The CM has stressed ensuring the safety of the people. Patnaik also instructed officials to ensure timely evacuation of people living in vulnerable areas and urged citizens to co-operate with the administration following COVID rules.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of the Cyclonic Storm as the ‘Gulab’ is expected to make landfall between North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha coast in the next 12 hours. The Headquarters of Eastern Naval Command here and Naval Officers-in-Charge Odisha Area have carried out preparatory activities to combat the effects of Cyclone and are in constant liaison with the state administrations for rendering assistance as required.
As part of the cyclone preparedness, Flood Relief Teams and Diving Teams are prepositioned at Odisha and are ready at Visakhapatnam to render immediate assistance. Two Naval ships are at sea with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material and medical teams to render assistance in the most affected areas. Naval aircraft are kept ready at Naval Air Stations, INS Dega at Visakhapatnam and INS Rajali near Chennai to undertake an aerial survey of the most affected areas, casualty evacuation, and airdrop of relief material as required.
Read: Cyclone Gulab to make landfall today, Met Dept issues alert for Andhra, Odisha
