Cyclone Gulab: Cyclonic storm to hit Andhra, Odisha by Midnight; evacuation ops on

Currently, cyclonic storm Gulab is at 180 km East-Southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 240 km East-northeast of Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) would hit the states on Sunday (September 26) midnight. 

The IMD tweeted and informed, “At 0830 hrs IST of today, ‘Gulab’ over northwest and adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal, centred near 18.4°N/86.4° E.To cross north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts between Kalingapatnam & Gopalpur, as a CS around mid-night of today.”

Also Read: PM Modi to bring home priceless Indian artefacts from US

 The security forces have started the evacuation process and the residents have been shifted to a safer place. As quotes by news agency ANI, thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Odisha and five in Andhra Pradesh, Satya Narayan Pradhan, Director General of the relief force. 

The maximum focus is on Ganjam and Gajapati districts. As per an official, fifteen security teams have been deployed in Ganjam and seven teams have been stationed at seven southern districts of the states. 

The Railway department has decided to cancel, divert, reschedule, regulate and short terminate the trains because of cyclone Gulab. 

The department has shared the details through the micro-blogging site and wrote, “In view of cyclone “Gulab” supposed to be hit between South Odisha & North Andhra Pradesh, it has been decided to cancel, divert, reschedule, regulate & short terminate below-mentioned trains as per following.”

Also Read: Woman denied entry in Delhi restaurant for wearing saree as ‘it's not smart’, eatery issues statement

IMD has issued some Do’s and Don’ts to ensure the safety of the residents, which are mentioned below: 

Do’s:

• Be alert for high water in areas where streams of rivers may flood due to heavy rains. 
• Be calm. Your ability to meet emergencies will inspire and help others.
• Cars, buses, lorries and carts should be driven carefully.
• The houses and dwellings should be cleared of debris.
• The losses should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Don’ts:

• Avoid being misled by rumors.
• Don’t leave shelters until informed by the rescue personals.
• Don’t leave the safer place during lull; however minor repairs can be carried out.
• Don’t touch the loose and dangling wire from the lamp post, it may have an electric current.