Cyclone Murasu Intensifies: Severe Storm Set to Hit Andhra Coast
Cyclone Murasu intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm. NDRF deploys 37 teams as IMD predicts landfall between Nellore and Narsapur.
The Bay of Bengal has birthed a formidable threat as Cyclone Murasu landfall preparations reach a fever pitch. The system has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting the Indian government to activate a massive emergency response operation across five states to mitigate potential disaster.
Landfall Timeline and Wind Fury
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is on a collision course with the coast. It is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur around 11:30 pm tonight. The impact is expected to be severe, with sustained wind speeds ranging between 100-110 kmph, potentially gusting up to a dangerous 120 kmph.
NDRF on High Alert: 37 Teams Deployed
In response to the escalating threat, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized 37 teams across five different states. A significant portion of this force has been concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, where 13 teams are already stationed to handle rescue and relief operations.
Mohsen Shahedi, Deputy Inspector General (Ops/PRO) of the NDRF, revealed that the deployment is the result of rigorous coordination. He noted that high-level stakeholder meetings were convened by both the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to finalize a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
Heavy Rainfall Warnings for Andhra Pradesh
Beyond the wind, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings for torrential rains over the next 48 hours. PLN Murthy, Director of the Visakhapatnam Meteorological Department, has sounded the alarm for southern and central coastal districts.
Day 1 Forecast: Extreme Downpours
The first wave of extreme rainfall is expected to lash the following districts:
- Extremely Heavy Rainfall: Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor.
- Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall: Krishna, Guntur, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Palnadu, NTR, Annamayya, and Nandyal.
Day 2 Forecast: Continued Deluge
The weather remains volatile into the second day, with the rainfall patterns shifting slightly:
- Extremely Heavy Rainfall: Chittoor, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Palnadu, and NTR districts.
- Very Heavy Rainfall: Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Kurnool, Nandyal, Bapatla, Guntur, Krishna, Eluru, and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts.
- Other Areas: Remaining districts are expected to see light to moderate showers, though isolated heavy spells remain possible.