Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is approaching the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department forecasts that it will make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, from 11:30 pm on Monday to 4 am on Tuesday. The storm may first strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm. Just a few days ago, Cyclone Arnab made landfall in the same state.

Where Murasu Is Expected to Hit

On October 31, a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal. India suggested the name of the cyclone, which means war drum in Tamil. During landfall, winds with speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, are expected, the IMD predicts. Extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely over Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Markapuram and Nellore districts. Low-lying areas are likely to see damage to kutcha houses, standing crops, electricity poles, and trees.

High-risk districts include Prakasam, Nellore, Bapatla, Krishna and Visakhapatnam, according to reports from the state. The red alert is in place for Andhra Pradesh and northern parts of the Tamil Nadu coast. Odisha is also on alert. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea for several days.

Preparations, Warnings and Closures

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his Delhi visit to oversee the response. He reviewed preparations for Murasu along with ongoing efforts to recover from Cyclone Arnab. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan stressed a specific focus on the Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla and Krishna districts. Naidu directed officials to issue a weather and damage bulletin every four hours.

A total of six teams from the National Disaster Response Force and seven teams from the State Disaster Response Force have been deployed. Two teams were deployed in Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore and Prakasam districts each. One team was deployed in Markapuram, Palnadu and Tirupati districts each. The district administration has imposed a high alert in Nellore district. People living in low-lying and coastal areas have been asked to move to safer places. Reports say that compulsory evacuation has begun from the coastal villages. However, it is not clear how many people have been evacuated.

The power department informed Naidu that approximately 8,000 electricity poles are likely to be damaged. Naidu directed the staff and equipment to be deployed ahead of time in the vulnerable areas so that immediate restoration work can start after the storm. He also spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, who assured support. Schools and colleges have been shut for Monday in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. NTR and Guntur districts have closed schools and colleges too. Krishna, Palnadu and Nellore have announced holidays for Tuesday. Over 20 flights have been reportedly cancelled.

Odisha accelerated evacuations from vulnerable areas on Monday. More than 300 teams from NDRF, ODRF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) and Fire Services have been pre-positioned. Arrangements put in place for Cyclone Arnab have been maintained and enhanced, said Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.