Cyclone Murasu makes landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole
The India Meteorological Department expects the severe cyclonic storm to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur with high winds.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is making landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast, according to ANI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the eye of the storm is entering the coast, with the landfall point situated between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole.
The weather department estimated that wind speeds would reach between 100 and 110 kmph, with gusts potentially hitting 120 kmph. These wind speeds are expected to persist until the morning of November 3. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated along the south coast for the next 12 hours.
A storm surge of 1.0 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide is forecast, which may flood low-lying areas in south coastal Andhra Pradesh. The maximum surge is expected over the Krishna, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts. The IMD has issued a red alert for Palnadu, Tirupati, and Nandyal districts, while an orange alert remains for 12 other districts, The Hindu reported.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to remain on high alert to prevent any loss of life. He instructed staff at Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward offices to communicate cyclone information to people at the grassroots level. Naidu also told electricity department staff to prepare for immediate restoration of power if supply is disrupted.