Cyclone Murasu weakens into cyclonic storm over Andhra Pradesh coast
The weather system, which made landfall near Ongole, is expected to weaken into a deep depression by Tuesday night.
The severe cyclonic storm Murasu weakened into a cyclonic storm at approximately 2.30 pm on Tuesday, November 3, according to a bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system was moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 7 kmph and was centred about 40 km west-northwest of Bapatla, according to reports from The Hindu and Deccan Herald.
The eye of the storm crossed the coast at 5.30 am on Tuesday, with the rear end of the system continuing to make landfall. The IMD stated the storm is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and weaken into a deep depression by Tuesday night. Maximum sustained wind speeds were observed at 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
Heavy rainfall has been recorded across the region, with Konanki in Bapatla district recording 182.25 mm. Other significant rainfall figures include 22 cm in Bapatla and 20 cm in Narasapur, according to The Hindu and Deccan Herald.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 teams in Andhra Pradesh, which has been the most affected state. NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahedi stated that no casualties have been recorded in the state so far.
In response to the cyclone, the Andhra Pradesh government's Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) launched a grievance mechanism via the 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp platform. Residents can report emergencies, such as power outages or waterlogging, by messaging 9552300009.
The South Coast Railway's Vijayawada Division has suspended train movements on the Vijayawada-Ongole-Gudur section until further notice to ensure passenger safety.