Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh coast between Monday and Tuesday
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to cross the coast near Ongole with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between midnight on Monday and the early hours of Tuesday, according to reports from The New Indian Express and The Hawk. The storm is projected to cross the coast near central Ongole or between Nellore and Narsapur, bringing wind speeds of 100-120 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain stated on Monday that the cyclone was moving at 13 kmph. The storm was centred 90 km from Ongole and 80 km from Nellore as of Monday.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his scheduled Delhi visit on Sunday to review preparedness and the status of water reservoirs. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha held a teleconference with district collectors, directing officials to remain on high alert for 48 hours to prevent loss of life and property.
The state government has released Rs 37 crore to 17 districts for relief operations. Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla, Guntur, and Krishna districts have been allocated Rs 3 crore each, while Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR, Palnadu, Tirupati, Chittoor, and Nandyal will receive Rs 2 crore each. Kadapa, Sri Sathya Sai, and Annamayya districts have been allocated Rs 1 crore each.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated across coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. Authorities have warned of possible storm surges in Bapatla and Krishna districts, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.