Cyclone Murasu: NDRF Rushes Teams to Andhra Pradesh as Severe Storm Looms
NDRF teams move from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu prepares to make landfall with winds up to 120 kmph.
As Cyclone Murasu rescue operations gear up, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized three specialized teams from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh. The deployment is a preemptive strike against the potential devastation expected from the severe cyclonic storm, which is currently barreling toward the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
NDRF Mobilization from Tamil Nadu
The three teams belong to the 4th battalion of the NDRF, which is stationed at Nagarikuppam near Arakkonam in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu. These units have already departed for Andhra Pradesh, where they will spearhead critical rescue and relief efforts to minimize loss of life and property as the storm makes landfall.
The Path of Cyclone Murasu
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal. The storm has been moving northwestwards at a speed of approximately 20 kmph.
As of 2:30 am IST on November 2, the storm was centered at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 82.5°E. To put its position into perspective, it was located:
- About 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
Landfall Predictions and Wind Speeds
The IMD predicts that the storm will continue its northwestward trajectory and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm. The landfall is expected to occur between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11:30 pm IST on November 2 and 4:00 am IST on November 3.
The weather agency has warned of sustained wind speeds ranging from 100–110 kmph, with dangerous gusts potentially reaching up to 120 kmph.
Regional Preparedness: Rayagada on High Alert
While the landfall is targeted for the coast, inland districts are also bracing for impact. In Rayagada, the district administration has significantly ramped up its emergency readiness. Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra confirmed that all 11 fire station teams have been deployed.
To ensure that National Highway 326 remains open, the administration has strategically positioned heavy machinery, including:
- JCBs
- Excavators
- Hydra cranes
These assets have been placed at Gumma Ghati and Mukundpur Ghati to ensure immediate clearance of any road blockages caused by the storm.
Emergency Planning and Warnings
The District Collector of Rayagada recently chaired a virtual emergency review meeting to evaluate the readiness of early warning systems, shelter arrangements, and the availability of essential equipment.
Based on reports from the IMD and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the district is operating under a tiered warning system:
- Yellow Warning: In effect until November 2.
- Orange Warning: In effect for November 3 and 4.
BDOs, Tahsildars, and other key officials have been instructed to remain on standby with all necessary equipment to handle any eventuality resulting from the severe weather.