Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday
The severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Nellore and Narsapur with wind speeds up to 110 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall on the south Andhra Pradesh coast between midnight on November 2 and the early hours of November 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As of 2.30 am IST on November 2, the storm was moving northwestwards at 20 kmph and was located about 290 km east-southeast of Nellore, reports Hindustan Times.
The storm is likely to cross the coast near Bapatla or between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole. Wind speeds are expected to be between 100 kmph and 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until at least Wednesday afternoon.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain prepared for relief and rescue operations. Preliminary estimates suggest strong winds could damage approximately 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. The system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several areas on November 3 and 4.
In Tamil Nadu, the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration has directed district collectors to mobilise administrative machinery. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for isolated places in Chennai and Tiruvallur, as well as Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris.
Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated the state is prepared, with a high alert issued in southern districts including Ganjam. In Rayagada, Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra said the administration has deployed 11 fire station teams and heavy machinery to manage potential road blockages.