Severe cyclonic storm Murasu nears Andhra Pradesh coast
The storm is expected to make landfall between Ongole and Nellore on the intervening night of November 2-3.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is advancing towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall between Ongole and Nellore on the intervening night of November 2-3, according to The Hindu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the storm is likely to move with wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The Andhra Pradesh government has sounded an alert in five districts, including Bapatla, Palnadu, Markapuram, SPSR Nellore, and Prakasam. The IMD issued a red alert for Palnadu, Tirupati, and Nandyal districts on Tuesday, while an orange alert is in place for 12 districts. Prakhar Jain, managing director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, told Reuters that around 2,000 people have been evacuated, with plans to evacuate 30,000 people.
In Tamil Nadu, heavy rain has already affected northern districts. The Indian Express reported that Madhavaram in Chennai recorded 11 cm of rainfall, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam both logged 10 cm over a 24-hour period. Schools and colleges have been closed in Chennai and Tiruvallur due to the weather.
Odisha is also expecting the impact, with the IMD warning of isolated heavy rainfall in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri districts on November 3 and 4, according to Times Now. Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, said fairly widespread rainfall is likely across the state. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the northwest Bay of Bengal and south Odisha coastal waters until the afternoon of November 4.