Cyclone Murasu makes landfall near Ongole with 120 kmph winds
Heavy rainfall and gale-force winds have caused damage to crops, trees and infrastructure across coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu made landfall near Ongole in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh during the early hours of Tuesday, according to reports from The Tribune and Rediff. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the landfall occurred between Nellore and Narasapur, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph gusting up to 120 kmph.
The storm has caused extensive damage, including the uprooting of thousands of trees, destruction of hundreds of electric poles, and damage to fishing boats. In districts such as Bapatla and Prakasam, heavy rainfall has inundated many areas and damaged standing crops. Motorists also faced difficulties on national highways due to poor visibility and stranded vehicles.
A storm surge of 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide was expected to flood low-lying areas in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts. The IMD noted that heavy rainfall was anticipated along the south coast.
Local fisherman Krishnamma from Kothapatnam in Prakasam district said the government and NDRF teams helped evacuate around 400 families from his village. Another resident, Mangamma, noted that while the government evacuated her family before landfall, one of her three boats was destroyed.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to focus on preventing any loss of life and to keep residents indoors in affected areas. He also instructed the electricity department to prepare for the immediate restoration of power if supply is disrupted.