Cyclone Murasu approaches Andhra Pradesh coast after intensification in Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department has issued an alert as the cyclonic storm Murasu heads towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
A depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Murasu and is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to reports from The Pioneer and Free Press Journal. The system may make landfall on the morning of November 3, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting it could become a severe cyclonic storm.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated the system could produce sustained winds of 80-90 kmph and gusts of 100 kmph. However, the Free Press Journal reported the storm may cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur with wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The weather department has predicted very heavy rainfall for parts of Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on November 2 and 3, while South Odisha may see heavy rain on November 3 and 4. Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea until at least Wednesday afternoon due to dangerous conditions in the Bay of Bengal.
In Odisha, State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government is preparing to evacuate residents from landslide-prone areas in districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Koraput. Officials have been directed to move people to cyclone shelters if necessary.
This system follows Cyclone Arnab, which crossed the coast on October 28. The Free Press Journal reported that Arnab caused losses estimated at Rs 4,600 crore and claimed seven lives.