Cyclone Murasu expected to make landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast
Authorities have evacuated thousands of people as the severe cyclonic storm approaches the south eastern coast of India.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is forecast to make landfall near the south coastal Andhra Pradesh region between Nellore and Narsapur during the midnight of November 2 or the early hours of November 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The storm is expected to bring wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. As reported by Deccan Herald, the system was positioned approximately 260 km east-northeast of Chennai and 290 km east-southeast of Nellore as of early Tuesday.
In Andhra Pradesh, Prakhar Jain, managing director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, told Reuters that around 2,000 people have been evacuated so far. Jain stated that authorities are planning to evacuate approximately 30,000 people.
Tamil Nadu has already experienced heavy downpours, with Chennai recording 15 cm of rain in Kadappakkam and Parrys. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai, indicating very heavy rainfall of 11 to 20 cm.
In response to the weather, authorities in Chennai declared a holiday for schools on Monday. Additionally, the Cuddalore district administration declared a holiday for schools in Cuddalore taluk, though colleges there were ordered to function as usual.
The Chennai Meteorological Centre noted that Tamil Nadu received 22 cm of rain between October 1 and November 1, which is 18 per cent above the seasonal average of 19 cm.