Two reported dead as Cyclone Gulab slams into eastern India

More than 200,000 people in three states were forced to evacuate to shelters

A fishing boat travelling from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh capsized, three fishermen swam to shore, two died and a sixth person was missing

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India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) staff ask villagers to take precautions against Cyclone Gulab in Ganjam, eastern Orissa state, India on Sunday. Photo: National Disaster Response Force via AP

Published: 3:03am, 27 Sep 2021Updated: 3:04am, 27 Sep 2021

Two fishermen were reported dead after a cyclone packing strong winds and rains barrelled into India’s east coast late on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of more than 200,000 people in three states to shelters.

Cyclones are a regular menace in the northern Indian Ocean but many scientists say they are becoming more frequent and severe as climate change warms sea temperatures.

Cyclone Gulab made landfall between the coastal states of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh just after 6pm local time, bearing gusts of up to 95km/h (59mph), the state-run India Meteorological Department said.

India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) staff prepare for Cyclone Gulab at Ganjam, eastern Orissa state on Sunday. Photo: National Disaster Response Force via AP

A rescue operation was launched after a fishing boat travelling from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh capsized during the storm, local media reported.

Three fishermen swam to shore, two others died and a sixth person from the vessel was missing, The Indian Express added.