Cyclone Murasu eye touches Andhra Pradesh coast as landfall continues
The India Meteorological Department reports the severe cyclonic storm is moving towards the coast with wind speeds of 100–110 kmph.
The eye of Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu touched the south Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday, according to ANI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that while the eye reached the coast, portions of the storm's cloud wall had already moved onto land.
The weather agency said the system was over the west-central Bay of Bengal near the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Doppler Weather Radars at Chennai and Machilipatnam are providing continuous surveillance of the storm.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain on high alert to prevent any loss of life. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kothapatnam, close to Ongole, with wind speeds reaching 100–110 kmph.
Naidu reviewed preparedness across cyclone-affected districts and enquired about rainfall in Nellore, Prakasam, and Kothapatnam. Officials reported moderate rainfall in Ongole, light drizzle in Nellore, and light drizzle near Kothapatnam.
The Chief Minister instructed staff at Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward offices to communicate cyclone information to people at the grassroots level. He also asked electricity department staff to prepare for immediate restoration of power if poles or supplies are damaged.
Naidu noted that while wind speeds might be lower than those during Cyclone Arnab, the administration must prevent property damage and breaches in irrigation tanks and canals.