Ahead of the landfall of Cyclonic Storm ‘Gulab’, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday directed government officials to complete the evacuation of people from vulnerable pockets in different parts of the State by today evening.
Live Updates: Cyclonic Storm Gulab Nears Andhra And Odisha Coasts
While reviewing the cyclone preparedness with officials via video-conferencing, Patnaik directed district Collectors to remain alert and take all possible measures to complete the necessary evacuation process before the cyclone Gulab’s landfall.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena today said that already 5,000 people have been evacuated and the Chief Minister has directed to complete the evacuation process by 4:30 pm today.
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According to Jena, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cyclonic storm Gulab will make a landfall between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Its projected path for landfall is Srikakulam district.
“After the landfall, the cyclonic storm will move towards Chhattisgarh via Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts in Odisha. During the landfall, the velocity of wind will be around 75-85 kmph gusting upto 95 kmph. Ganjam and Gajapati districts will experience wind velocity of 60-70 kmph gusting upto 75 kmph,” said Jena.
Jena further said that the impact of the cyclonic storm is likely to be felt in different parts of the State including Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri on September 27 (tomorrow) as well.
The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall in some parts of the State during this period.
The SRC informed that Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure that there is no crowding at the temporary shelters and all the Covid-19 protocols including proper social distancing norms are strictly followed.
“For the entire evacuation process, a standard operation procedure (SOP) has been issued to see that there is no crowding at shelters and Covid protocols are followed. Post cyclone, instructions have been issued for proper surveillance and testing of symptomatic cases,” Jena added.