Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3
The India Meteorological Department predicts the storm may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall.
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into Cyclone Murasu and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of November 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is predicted to move west-northwestwards and could become a severe cyclonic storm by the early hours of November 2, The Pioneer reported.
The IMD stated the storm is likely to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare for relief and rescue operations, noting the storm may cross the coast near Bapatla.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Odisha. In Andhra Pradesh, nine mandals in Eluru, five in Krishna, five in NTR, and one in Bapatla are expected to receive extremely heavy showers. On November 3, average rainfall in Eluru is projected to be around 179 mm.
The Odisha government has started preparations for potential landslides and heavy rain in southern districts. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said discussions were held with district officials to arrange evacuations from landslide-prone areas to cyclone shelters.
The approaching system follows Cyclone Arnab, which affected the eastern coast on October 28. That storm caused at least three deaths and led to the evacuation of over 1.8 lakh people across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.