Severe cyclonic storm Murasu likely to cross south Andhra Pradesh coast
The storm is expected to make landfall near Ongole with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between midnight on November 2 and 0400 hours on November 3, according to an IMD bulletin reported by ANI.
The storm, which intensified in the early hours of Monday, is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole. It is predicted to bring wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The Hindu reported that rainfall activity had already begun in parts of Andhra Pradesh by 6 am on Monday. An extremely heavy rainfall alert has been issued for Eluru, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, and SPSR Nellore districts.
In response to the cyclone warning, three teams from the 4th battalion of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh for rescue and relief operations, ANI said.
In Rayagada district, the administration has deployed 11 fire station teams and heavy machinery at strategic locations. Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra stated that preparedness measures were being implemented following a virtual emergency review meeting.