Cyclone Murasu: Andhra's Prakasam on High Alert; Mass Evacuations Underway
Andhra Pradesh's Prakasam district prepares for Cyclone Murasu with mass evacuations, while Kerala expects indirect heavy rainfall.
As Severe Cyclonic Storm Cyclone Murasu barrels toward the south Andhra Pradesh coast, local administrations have shifted into high gear. With the storm expected to make landfall by Thursday evening, the Prakasam district has launched massive evacuation drives and disaster preparedness measures to protect thousands of residents from the impending fury of the weather system.
Prakasam District Braces for Impact
The situation on the ground is already intensifying. Prakasam District Collector P Raja Babu confirmed that the coastline is already experiencing strong winds and high tides. The administration has identified a significant danger zone consisting of seven mandals along the coast, with 26 vulnerable villages and approximately 70 habitations expected to be hit by the storm.
To prevent casualties, authorities have initiated a comprehensive evacuation strategy:
- Mass Relocation: Residents from high-risk villages have been moved to designated cyclone relief shelters.
- Priority Care: Special attention has been given to women, children, and pregnant women. Those nearing their delivery dates have been shifted to nearby hospitals for safety.
- Public Safety: Schools have been declared closed to keep children off the streets.
- Field Monitoring: Revenue and police personnel have been stationed in every village, providing hourly feedback to the central command.
Deployment of Emergency Forces
With a 74-km stretch of coastline to protect, the administration has deployed three NDRF teams. These teams have been strategically divided into three sections and stationed at critical locations near the sea to respond to emergencies instantly.
Collector Raja Babu warned that the weather is likely to become "aggressive" tonight. To manage the crisis, command control rooms have been established and are operating 24/7 at the mandal, division, and collectorate levels.
Indirect Impact on Kerala
While the primary strike zone is Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Kerala will not be untouched. According to IMD Scientist Neetha K. Gopal, the state will experience widespread rainfall as an indirect consequence of the storm.
What Kerala Can Expect:
The IMD indicates that the rainfall in Kerala is linked to a cyclonic circulation off its coast and the presence of easterly waves. The forecast suggests:
- Widespread Rain: Light to moderate rain is expected across most parts of the state, with isolated heavy rainfall in some areas.
- Timeline: The increased rainfall activity is predicted for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Risk Level: Officials clarified that Kerala will not face the direct hazardous weather associated with the cyclone's core, but the indirect influence will be significant as the system approaches, crosses, and eventually dissipates off the Andhra coast.