Cyclone Murasu Hits Andhra Pradesh: Flights Grounded, State on High Alert
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu threatens Andhra Pradesh coast. Flights disrupted in Vijayawada as state prepares for heavy rains and flash floods.
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of severe Cyclonic Storm cyclone Murasu as the system barrels toward the coast from the Bay of Bengal. The region is currently on high alert, with heavy cloud cover already engulfing Vijayawada and significant disruptions reported in air travel.
Landfall Predictions and Current Position
The cyclonic system has shifted its projected course. While initial estimates suggested a landfall between Bapatla and Machilipatnam, the storm is now expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapuram. The crossing is anticipated between midnight Monday and the early hours of Tuesday.
As of the latest reports, the system's position is approximately:
- 160 km east-southeast of Nellore
- 180 km northeast of Chennai
- 180 km east-southeast of Kavali
- 210 km southeast of Ongole
- 240 km south of Machilipatnam
Severe Weather Warnings
The weather department has warned of extreme conditions during landfall, with wind speeds expected to reach between 100 to 120 kilometres per hour. This is likely to be accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall, which officials fear could lead to flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Heavy rains have already begun lashing several districts, including Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Tirupati, and Markapuram.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has convened a high-level review meeting with officials from the Rural Water Supply, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj departments. Highlighting that the state is still recovering from the previous Arnab Cyclone, the Deputy CM stressed the need for absolute preparedness.
Key Directives for District Administration:
- Evacuations: Officials in Krishna, Bapatla, Markapuram, Prakasam, and Nellore districts have been ordered to move residents from low-lying areas to safer locations.
- Resource Deployment: Six NDRF and seven SDRF teams have been placed on standby to handle emergencies.
- Infrastructure Monitoring: Authorities must regularly monitor the flow of streams and canals, installing warning boards to keep citizens away from dangerous currents.
- Public Health: The Deputy CM emphasized maintaining sanitation in villages to prevent water stagnation, ordering immediate bleaching and chlorination once the rains stop.
- Essential Services: Strict instructions were given to ensure that drinking water supplies in villages remain uninterrupted.
Flight Disruptions in Vijayawada
The looming storm has already hit the aviation sector. IndiGo has cancelled 10 flights operating from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada on Monday. The airline stated that these cancellations are precautionary measures due to the expected adverse weather conditions.
Airport authorities have urged all passengers to verify their flight status with the airline before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Deputy CM has urged the general public to cooperate with government officials, heed all official warnings, and remain in safe shelters until the impact of the cyclone subsides.