Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for five districts as the storm is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.
Cyclonic Storm Murasu is expected to make landfall along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between the night of November 2 and the early hours of November 3, according to the Financial Express. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal by the morning of November 2.
The IMD has issued a red alert for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore districts for November 2. The weather department warned of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places and wind speeds of up to 120 kmph. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, with sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday to review relief and emergency response arrangements. In a post on X, Naidu said the system could cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3. He noted that he had reviewed preparedness measures to deal with the possible impact.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until at least Wednesday afternoon. He stated that the west-central, southeast, and parts of the central Bay of Bengal would be disastrous for boats, small boats, or small ships. The Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha has also issued emergency directives to ensure state preparedness.