Cyclone Murasu Intensifies, Likely to Hit Andhra Coast Tonight; Winds May Reach 120 kmph
AMARAVATI: Cyclone Murasu, which developed over the Bay of Bengal, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm early Monday and is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the system is likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Narasapur from midnight on Monday to the early hours of November 3.
The storm is expected to bring strong winds with speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, during landfall. The IMD has also indicated the possibility of the cyclone intensifying further into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra coast. India had proposed the name ‘Murasu’ for the cyclone.
The approaching storm has already disrupted normal life in neighbouring states. More than 20 flights have been cancelled at Chennai airport due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu have also been declared closed on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Telangana government has issued an orange alert for six districts and a yellow alert for five districts, warning of heavy rainfall. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have also been placed on high alert.
In Odisha, authorities are closely monitoring Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts in the southern region. Residents of vulnerable and low-lying areas are being shifted to safer locations. More than 300 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services have been deployed for emergency operations.
Andhra Pradesh has also stepped up its preparedness, deploying six NDRF and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in advance to handle rescue and relief operations.
Concerned about possible damage to electricity infrastructure due to falling power poles and transmission lines, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. He sought assistance in mobilising personnel and equipment required for restoring power supply after the cyclone.
Both chief ministers have reportedly responded positively and assured Andhra Pradesh of all necessary assistance.
With the cyclone expected to make landfall within hours, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for possible disruptions to transport, electricity and essential services.
