Cyclone Murasu approaches Andhra Pradesh coast with landfall expected by November 3
The severe cyclonic storm is predicted to hit the coast between Nellore and Narsapur with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall on the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between midnight on November 2 and the early hours of November 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm, which intensified from a deep depression, is forecast to bring sustained winds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph.
The IMD reported on November 2 that the system was located over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, approximately 160 km east-southeast of Nellore. The storm has been moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 22 kmph, according to the Indian Express.
The weather agency has issued rainfall alerts for Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. In Andhra Pradesh, a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall was issued for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore districts for Monday, while an orange alert covers several other districts including East Godavari and Tirupati, according to Urban Acres.
To assist with relief efforts, Tamil Nadu has deployed 500 electricity department personnel to help Andhra Pradesh restore power following a request from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Economic Times reported. Additionally, three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, consisting of 90 personnel, have been sent from Arakkonam to Nellore, Prakasam, and Markapuram.
The IMD expects the cyclone to move northwest and weaken into a depression by the morning of November 4.