Andhra Pradesh braces for landfall of Cyclonic Storm Murasu
Five districts in Andhra Pradesh are on red alert as the storm is expected to cross the coast on November 3.
The Andhra Pradesh coast is preparing for Cyclonic Storm Murasu, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said is likely to make landfall on November 3. By Sunday afternoon, the storm was located approximately 480 km east-southeast of Chennai and 610 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam.
The IMD expects the storm to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning. It is likely to cross the southern Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between Monday night and early Tuesday, with wind speeds of 100-120 kmph.
The IMD has placed SPSR Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Bapatla, and Krishna districts on red alert for November 2. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) identified 20 mandals that could experience extremely heavy rainfall, including nine in Eluru, five in Krishna, five in NTR, and one in Bapatla.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his Monday visit to Delhi due to the cyclone, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. Naidu held a review meeting and directed officials to mobilise manpower and equipment to ensure the restoration of essential services.
Authorities have prepared 1,688 medical teams and 116 relief camps. The Health Department has made available 13,165 emergency beds, essential medicines, and 43,672 anti-snake venom injections.
In Tamil Nadu, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Tiruvallur and Chennai districts on Monday. Heavy rain is also forecast for Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, and Nilgiris districts.