Coastal Andhra on alert as Cyclone 'Gulab' set to make landfall

Gulf Today Report

Cyclone Gulab over the west-central Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards as Andhra Pradesh's coastal districts were on alert on Sunday.

The Met department tweeted that the cyclonic storm with a speed of 10kmph during the past 6 hours and was likely to cross north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts at 5:30am (local time).

Authorities in north coastal Andhra districts were high alerted and prepared, as the region is likely to experience heavy rains under the impact of the Cyclone, which is expected to make a landfall between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur on Sunday evening.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone warning for north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.

According to the IMD, 'Gulab' lay centred over northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal about 270 km east-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 330km east of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross north Andhra Pradesh - south Odisha coasts between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur around evening of 26th September, the IMD said.

Cyclone Warning Centre Visakhapatnam warned that tidal wave of about 0.5m height above the astronomical tide was likely to inundate low-lying areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Ganjam districts during the time of landfall, according to IANS.

The cyclonic storm is likely to trigger heavy rain at one or two places over Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts over the next 24 hours. The IMD has issued red warning for these districts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting on the preparedness in wake of the cyclone alert and directed the officials to take all necessary steps.