Tamil Nadu issues orange alert as Cyclone Murasu nears coast
The severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between November 2 and November 3.
Tamil Nadu has issued an orange alert for Tiruvallur as Cyclone Murasu approaches the coast, according to reports by Urban Acres and Outlook. The storm, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between late November 2 and early November 3.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the storm was centred over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal on Monday. It is located approximately 260 km east-northeast of Chennai and 290 km east-southeast of Nellore. Wind speeds are expected to reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph during landfall.
In Tamil Nadu, Tiruvallur was placed under an orange alert for November 1 due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. Other districts including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore face rainfall warnings, while the Nilgiris are under a yellow alert for heavy rain on November 3.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials on Sunday to prepare for relief and rescue operations. The IMD warned of a storm surge of 1-1.5 metres that could inundate low-lying areas in Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts. Preliminary estimates suggest strong winds could damage around 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts.
Odisha has also stepped up preparedness in southern districts such as Ganjam. State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the administration is prepared to deal with the storm and urged residents not to panic.