Severe cyclonic storm Murasu makes landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast
Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Ongole as the storm crosses the coast between Nellore and Narsapur.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu began the landfall process along the south Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday morning, according to reports from Deccan Chronicle and Hindustan Times. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the storm's eye was entering the coast, with the landfall occurring between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole.
The weather department reported wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. These conditions were expected to persist along the coast for several hours. Heavy rain and strong winds were recorded in the Kothapatnam Beach area of Prakasam district.
The IMD forecast a storm surge of 1.0–1.5 metres above the astronomical tide, which could flood low-lying areas in south coastal Andhra Pradesh until the morning of November 3. The highest surge is expected in the Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain on high alert to prevent any loss of life. He instructed that people in severely affected areas should not go outdoors until the storm has crossed the coast.
In Odisha, Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that southern districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri were on high alert. The state expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas on Monday.