Cyclone Murasu crosses Andhra coast, causing widespread damage
The severe cyclonic storm hit the south Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday morning, causing flooding, power outages and uprooting many trees.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, near Ongole, between 3.30 am and 5.30 am on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm brought winds of 100-110 kmph with gusts reaching 120 kmph, according to reports from India Today, Business Standard and The New Indian Express.
The storm caused significant destruction, including the loss of many trees, damage to hundreds of electricity poles and the wrecking of fishing boats. In districts such as Bapatla and Prakasam, heavy rain and strong winds inundated several areas and damaged standing crops. Heavy rainfall also led to waterlogging on roads and reduced visibility on highways, leaving vehicles stranded.
Fishermen in the region described the event as the most dangerous cyclone seen in 14 years. Krishnamma, a fisherman from Kothapatnam in Prakasam district, told PTI that the government and NDRF teams helped evacuate around 400 families to safer locations. Another resident, Mangamma, noted that while her family was evacuated, one of her three fishing boats was destroyed.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prioritise the restoration of electricity, drinking water and road connectivity. He also instructed district collectors to remain on high alert. To assist with repairs, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that 500 skilled electricity workers would be sent to the state.
The IMD expects the system to weaken into a cyclonic storm by Tuesday noon and further into a deep depression by midnight. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast to continue across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh.