Landfall process of cyclone Gulab has started over the northern coast of Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining southern coast of Odisha and will continue for the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department said. 

“As per the latest meteorological observations, the cloud bands have touched the coastal regions and thus the landfall process has commenced over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south coastal Odisha,” the IMD said in a statement.

Also Read: Cyclone Gulab: IMD lists out dos and don’ts ahead of the storm

During the landfall, the wind speed of the cyclone is about 90 kmph. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured them of all support to face the challenges posed by the cyclone. 

“Discussed the cyclone situation in parts of Odisha with CM @Naveen_Odisha Ji. The Centre assures all possible support in overcoming this adversity. Praying for the safety and well-being of everybody,” PM Modi tweeted.

“Spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM and 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,” he tweeted.

Earlier in the day, IMD had put coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on red alert following heavy rainfall in Odisha’s southern and coastal regions on Sunday morning.

“It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts… with a maximum sustained wind speed of 75-85 kmph gusting to 95 kmph, around midnight of today. The landfall process will commence from the late evening of Sunday,” the IMD said, while issuing a ‘Red Message’ (extreme rain).  

Odisha government evacuated over 3400 people and shifted them to 204 shelter homes on Sunday morning.