Cyclone Murasu hits Andhra Pradesh coast with heavy rain and winds
The severe cyclonic storm made landfall near Ongole on Tuesday, bringing gale-force winds and significant rainfall to the southern state.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu began its landfall process near Ongole in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Tuesday, according to the Deccan Herald.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the landfall commenced at 0100 hours IST on November 3. The storm brought heavy rainfall and gale winds reaching 110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph.
The cyclone crossed the coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 3.30 am and 5.30 am. As of 5.30 am, the storm was centred over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, close to Ongole and approximately 40 km southwest of Bapatla.
In Prakasam district, Naguluppalapadu recorded 198.01 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am on Monday and 6 am on Tuesday. Other areas including Kothapatnam, Bapatla, Chirala, Throvagunta, Ongole Urban, and Chilakapadu also recorded heavy rainfall.
The IMD expects the cyclone to move north-northwestwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon, potentially becoming a deep depression by midnight. A storm surge of 1-1.5 metres was expected to inundate low-lying areas in Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts.
Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy directed officials to prioritise passenger safety and suggested suspending bus services in areas with heavy rain and strong winds. Prakhar Jain, MD of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), has urged people to remain on high alert.