Severe cyclonic storm Murasu to make landfall near Ongole on Tuesday
The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast with winds of 100-110 kmph gusting up to 120 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall on the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, according to Moneycontrol and The Hindu. The landfall window is projected to occur between 11.30 pm on Monday and 4 am on Tuesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. Such winds can uproot trees and power poles, damage kutcha houses, and cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Rainfall has already begun in parts of Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam. The IMD issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall on Monday for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore districts, while an orange alert was issued for seven other districts.
In Odisha, the Rayagada district administration has prepared for the storm's impact. Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra said the district was under a yellow warning until November 2, with orange warnings in place for November 3 and 4.
To manage potential emergencies, all 11 fire station teams in Rayagada have been deployed. Heavy machinery, including JCBs and excavators, has been positioned at Gumma Ghati and Mukundpur Ghati to clear National Highway 326 if blockages occur.