Severe cyclone Murasu makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh
The storm crossed the coast near Ongole with wind speeds reaching 110 kmph, prompting weather alerts in Odisha.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu made landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole around 1 am on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm crossed the coast between Nellore and Narasapur with wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph and gusts as high as 120 kmph, as reported by OTV and The New Indian Express.
The IMD stated that the storm is expected to move west-northwestwards after landfall. While it is predicted to maintain severe intensity initially, it is likely to weaken into a cyclone later on Tuesday morning.
In Odisha, the cyclone's influence has already caused rainfall. Chatrapur recorded 16.8 mm of rain, while Paralakhemundi, Puri, and Gopalpur recorded 16 mm, 13.2 mm, and 11.7 mm respectively.
The weather body has issued alerts for several Odisha districts. Heavy rainfall is expected in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts on Tuesday, with further heavy rains possible in Koraput and Malkangiri on Wednesday.
Squally weather with wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph and gusts up to 70 kmph is expected along the south Odisha coast. The IMD cautioned that the storm could trigger landslides in hilly areas and damage vulnerable structures like kutcha houses.
The impact of the cyclone is expected to be felt across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. Authorities are reportedly expediting evacuation operations in vulnerable areas to move residents to safer locations.