Cyclone Murasu makes landfall in south Andhra Pradesh coast
The severe cyclonic storm brought winds of 120 kmph and heavy rainfall to coastal districts including Prakasam and Bapatla.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu made landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur early Tuesday, according to India TV and The Hawk. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the storm crossed the coast with sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph.
The storm was centered near Ongole in Prakasam district between 3.30 am and 5.30 am. Naguluppalapadu in Prakasam district recorded the highest rainfall of 198.01 mm between Monday morning and Tuesday morning, while Kothapatnam recorded 182.25 mm and Bapatla received 128.53 mm.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain on high alert to ensure zero casualties. Naidu instructed that people in severely affected areas must remain indoors and asked the electricity department to ensure prompt power restoration if damage occurs.
The IMD forecast a storm surge of 1.0-1.5 metres above the astronomical tide, which may inundate low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh until the morning of November 3. The peak surge is expected over Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts.
Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy directed officials to prioritise passenger safety and suspend bus services in areas with heavy rain and strong winds if necessary. Prakhar Jain, MD of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), has urged people to remain on high alert.