In order to estimate the N-S anisotropy latitude gradient, the time variation of the direction of the N-S anisotropy during the August 1972 cosmic ray storms is measured using polar (Alert-Mc Murdo) and equatorial (Athens-Potchefstroom, S. Africa) neutron monitor stations. A maximum value of (43 ± 2)%/50° and a linear correlation between the measured polar and equatorial N-S anisotropies is obtained. The correlation between N-S anisotropy and: (1) the direction of the related shock wave, (2) the heliographic latitude of the related solar flare, (3) the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field, and (4) the K p index has been checked.