Cyclone Gulab crosses coast near Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh
The HinduCyclonic storm Gulab crossed the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast about 20 km north of Kalingapatnam, triggering widespread rain in the region on Sunday evening. “The cyclonic storm, ‘Gulab’ over northwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards with a speed of 27 kmph during past six hours crossed north Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coasts, about 20 km north of Kalingapatnam with maximum sustained wind speed of 75-85 km per hour during 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm,” said India Meteorological Department in its latest bulletin. Andhra prepares Andhra Pradesh Commissioner K. Kanna Babu directed officials of various departments to be prepared for any emergency in view of cyclone Gulab, likely to make a landfall between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur, around midnight, and cause extensive damage to surrounding areas. Mr. Babu directed the officials and employees of the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Fisheries, Revenue, Fire Services, Police and R&B Departments to be ready with the equipment to undertake emergency relief operations, based on need.