Cyclone Murasu makes landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast
The severe cyclonic storm crossed the coast between Nellore and Narsapur on Tuesday morning with high winds.
The severe cyclonic storm Murasu began its landfall process near Ongole at approximately 1 am on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm's eye touched the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 3:30 am and 5:30 am, the IMD reported.
The weather agency stated that a major part of the wall cloud had entered the land. Heavy rainfall and very strong winds lashed the Kothapatnam Beach area in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, according to the Hindustan Times.
The IMD estimated gale winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph, along and off the coast. These wind speeds were expected to prevail for several hours during the landfall process.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain on high alert to prevent any loss of life. He instructed staff to ensure cyclone-related information reaches people at the grassroots level and to take steps to minimise property damage.
In Odisha, Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said southern districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri were on high alert. On Monday, the state expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas as the cyclone intensified.
IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted in a virtual press conference that most parts of the country are likely to see below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures in November.