Cyclone Murasu to hit Andhra Pradesh coast by November 3
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for five districts as the storm approaches with wind gusts of 120 kmph.
Cyclonic Storm Murasu is expected to cross the southern Andhra Pradesh coast between the night of November 2 and the early hours of November 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is likely to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, Business Standard reported.
The IMD stated the storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm with sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. On Sunday, the weather agency issued a red alert for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled a scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday to review relief and emergency response arrangements, Financial Express reported. The Chief Minister noted on X that the system could cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
In Rayagada, Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra said the administration has deployed 11 fire station teams and heavy machinery to strategic locations. The district is under a yellow warning until November 2, which will change to an orange warning for November 3 and 4.
Kahanra added that officials have been instructed to remain present with equipment to handle any eventuality. Machinery including JCBs and excavators has been positioned at Gumma Ghati and Mukundpur Ghati to clear National Highway 326 if road blockages occur.