Andhra Pradesh braces for severe cyclonic storm Murasu
The cyclone is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3 with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh is preparing for a severe cyclonic storm named Murasu, which is expected to make landfall on the south coast of the state on November 3, according to reports from The Hindu and The New Indian Express.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the system, which was a depression on Sunday, moved west-northwestwards at 25 kmph as of 5.30 pm on November 1. The cyclone is predicted to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to prepare for relief and rescue operations, noting that the storm may cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3. He requested that officials maintain readiness with manpower and equipment and establish timelines for restoring power if infrastructure is damaged.
The IMD forecast moderate to heavy rainfall for south and central coastal districts on November 2, with some areas seeing extremely heavy showers. On November 3, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, West Godavari, Guntur, and Bapatla are expected to receive significant rainfall, with Eluru potentially seeing 179 mm.
Preliminary estimates suggest that strong winds could impact approximately 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. This weather development follows Cyclone Arnab, which hit Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on October 28.