Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast on Monday
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for five districts as the storm approaches the coast.
Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur from Monday midnight to early Tuesday, according to The Times of India. The storm is predicted to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm on Monday, with sustained winds of 100kmph to 110kmph and gusts reaching 120kmph.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall on Monday for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore districts. An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for seven districts, including East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Palnadu, Tirupati, and Chittoor. A yellow alert is in place for ASR, Kakinada, Konaseema, Nandyal, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts.
Nellore District Collector Himanshu Shukla has sounded a high alert, noting the cyclone may cross the coast between Kavali and Kandukur between Monday evening and midnight. The impact is expected to last until Tuesday afternoon, specifically affecting Kavali, surrounding areas, and the stretch from Nellore to Gudur, Deccan Chronicle reported.
For Tuesday, a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued for ASR, Eluru, and NTR districts. An orange alert covers Chittoor, Annamayya, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Palnadu, and Vizianagaram. Heavy rainfall is also expected in several other districts including Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea due to expected rough conditions. Officials have urged residents in low-lying areas and those in unsafe structures to move to safer locations or relief centres if necessary.