Cyclone Murasu to make landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh authorities have intensified preparations as the severe cyclonic storm approaches the coast with high wind speeds.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall on the morning of November 3 between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh, according to The Hindu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the system may cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole with wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The Odisha government has expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said southern districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are on high alert, with more than 300 NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Service teams pre-positioned.
In Andhra Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority has deployed six NDRF teams and seven SDRF teams. Two teams each have been stationed in Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore and Prakasam districts, while one team each is in Markapuram, Palnadu and Tirupati.
Flight operations have been impacted, with eleven flights cancelled at Chennai airport and ten IndiGo flights cancelled from Gannavaram Airport. The Airports Authority of India said flights to and from Vijayawada, Kadapa, Rajahmundry and Tiruchi will be cancelled.
In Tamil Nadu, Chennai and Tiruvallur District Collectors announced holidays for schools and colleges on Monday due to heavy rains. An orange alert has been issued for Chennai, where several areas have been inundated.