Cyclonic storm Murasu expected to hit Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for five districts as the storm approaches the coastline.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday that a deep depression over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm Murasu. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between the night of November 2 and the early hours of November 3.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated there is a possibility the system may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. The storm is predicted to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur from approximately 11.30 pm on November 2 to 4 am on November 3.
The IMD has issued a red alert for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore districts for November 2, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Wind speeds are expected to reach 80-90 kmph with gusts up to 100 kmph, though some forecasts indicate gusts could reach 120 kmph.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled a scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday to review relief and emergency response arrangements. He noted the system could cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
The name Murasu was proposed by India and refers to a traditional Tamil percussion drum. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until at least Wednesday afternoon due to devastating conditions in the Bay of Bengal.