Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3
The system may cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur as a severe cyclonic storm, according to the IMD.
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Murasu and move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is expected to cross the coast as a severe cyclonic storm between Nellore and Narsapur on the morning of November 3, reported The Pioneer.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated the system could have wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph with gusts reaching 120 kmph. The storm is expected to move west-northwestwards and may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the early hours of November 2.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain prepared for relief and rescue operations. He noted the storm is likely to cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
The system is forecast to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Odisha. In Andhra Pradesh, nine mandals in Eluru district, five each in Krishna and NTR districts, and one in Bapatla are forecast to receive extremely heavy rainfall.
In Odisha, the government has begun preparations for potential impacts, particularly in southern districts. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said arrangements are being made to evacuate people from landslide-prone areas.
The warning comes days after Cyclone Arnab affected the eastern coast on October 28. That storm caused widespread disruption, including damage to houses and electricity supplies, and resulted in at least three deaths.