Cyclone Murasu likely to make landfall near Ongole on Tuesday
Andhra Pradesh has deployed 13 disaster response teams as the severe cyclonic storm approaches the coast.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall near the Ongole coast between Nellore and Narsapur between late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, according to reports from The Hindu and BusinessLine. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the storm will cross the coast with wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has deployed six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to districts likely to be affected. Two teams each have been stationed in Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore, and Prakasam, while one team each is in Markapuram, Palnadu, and Tirupati.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting with officials and district collectors regarding preparedness. He directed officials to manage water effectively in several districts, including Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Nellore, and Markapuram, to store water in reservoirs and tanks.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for several regions, including Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Markapuram, and Nellore. NTR and Guntur districts have declared a holiday on Monday for all levels of educational institutions, including government and private schools and colleges.
The storm is the second cyclonic system to hit Andhra Pradesh in less than a week. Officials have advised the public to remain vigilant and stay indoors as the system moves towards the coast.