Cyclone Murasu Intensifies: Severe Storm to Hit Andhra Coast
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur with wind speeds up to 120 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical update as Cyclone Murasu landfall becomes imminent. The system, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, is now barreling toward the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
Landfall Timing and Expected Impact
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the storm is projected to cross the coast between midnight on November 2 and the early hours of November 3. The specific landfall zone is expected to be between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole.
The weather agency warns that the storm will likely maintain its status as a severe cyclonic storm upon impact. Residents in the affected areas should prepare for:
- Sustained wind speeds: 100–110 kmph.
- Wind gusts: Reaching up to 120 kmph.
Current Position and Movement
As of 2:30 am IST on November 2, the system was moving northwestwards at a speed of 20 kmph. It was centered near latitude 13.6°N and longitude 82.5°E. To give a better perspective of its proximity, the storm was located:
- Approximately 260 km east-northeast of Chennai.
- 290 km east-southeast of Nellore.
- 310 km east-southeast of Kavali.
- 320 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam.
- 330 km southeast of Ongole.
- 470 km south of Visakhapatnam.
Emergency Preparedness in Rayagada
While the eye of the storm targets Andhra Pradesh, neighboring regions are bracing for the aftermath. In the Rayagada district, the administration has shifted into high gear to mitigate potential damage from heavy rainfall and wind.
Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra confirmed that all 11 fire station teams have been deployed. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, excavators, and Hydra cranes, has been strategically positioned at Mukundpur Ghati and Gumma Ghati to ensure that National Highway 326 remains open and clear of debris.
Administrative Action Plan
The District Collector recently chaired a virtual emergency review meeting to synchronize rescue and relief operations. The primary focus of the meeting included:
- The functionality of early warning systems.
- The readiness of emergency services and shelter arrangements.
- The availability of essential equipment for rapid response.
Regarding the alert levels, Kahanra stated that based on data from the IMD and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the district remained under a yellow warning until November 2, which will escalate to an orange warning for November 3 and 4.
Local officials, including Tahsildars and Block Development Officers (BDOs), have been ordered to remain on high alert with all necessary equipment to handle any eventuality resulting from the cyclone.