Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3
The system is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall near Bapatla.
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to become Cyclone Murasu and hit the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of November 3, according to The New Indian Express. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the system could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the early hours of November 2.
The storm is predicted to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph. On Sunday, the system was moving west-northwestwards at 25 kmph and was located approximately 420 km east-southeast of Chennai.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to prepare for relief and rescue operations. He noted that the storm is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on November 3 and has asked for clear timelines regarding power restoration.
The cyclone may bring extremely heavy rainfall to several areas, including nine mandals in Eluru district and five each in Krishna and NTR districts. Preliminary estimates suggest strong winds could damage about 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts.
In Odisha, the government has issued a high alert for the southern region. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said officials have ordered the evacuation of people from hilly and low-lying areas to prepare for potential landslides and heavy rain.