Severe cyclonic storm Murasu likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast
The storm is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
The cyclonic storm Murasu has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Tuesday, according to Telangana Today and The New Indian Express.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the system was moving northwestwards at a speed of 20 kmph. It is projected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between midnight on November 2 and the early hours of November 3.
Wind speeds during landfall are expected to range from 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. The storm may cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3, according to an official press release from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director and CEO of the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre, said heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in the Rayalaseema and South Coastal Andhra regions on Monday and Tuesday. Extremely heavy rainfall could occur in one or two locations.
Six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and seven teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations. Chief Minister Naidu has also requested assistance from the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to help restore electricity infrastructure.
Preliminary estimates suggest that strong winds could damage approximately 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. The Andhra Pradesh government has kept electricity department personnel ready for deployment in affected areas.