Cyclone Murasu expected to hit Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu may make landfall between Monday midnight and Tuesday morning with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole between midnight on Monday and early Tuesday, according to reports from Kalinga TV and The New Indian Express. The storm is predicted to bring wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mahapatra said the cyclone is moving north-north-westwards and may weaken into a cyclonic storm this afternoon, becoming a deep depression by midnight. The IMD further stated the storm is likely to become a deep depression by 1800 UTC on November 3.
The storm has already caused significant impact, with the highest rainfall reported at 22 cm in certain areas. A storm surge of 1 to 1.5 metres was noted in the low-lying areas of Krishna, Bapatla, and Prakasam districts, according to Mahapatra.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has directed officials to remain on high alert for 48 hours. The state government has released Rs 37 crore to 17 districts for relief operations, with Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla, Guntur, and Krishna receiving Rs 3 crore each.
In response to the weather conditions, Vijayawada Division PRO Nusrat M. Mandrupkar said 29 trains have been affected on the Vijayawada-Ongole-Gudur route, with 19 UP and 10 DOWN trains under regulation.