Cyclone Murasu strengthens to severe storm; Andhra landfall expected by Nov 3

New Delhi: Cyclonic Storm Murasu has escalated into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, and is projected to cross the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between late midnight on November 2 and the early hours of 3 November, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In a recent bulletin, the IMD indicated that the weather system tracked nearly north-westwards at 20 km/h over the past six hours, positioning itself over the same marine region at 2.30 am IST on November 2.

The severe cyclonic storm was located near latitude 13.6°N and longitude 82.5°E, placing it approximately 260 km east-northeast of Chennai, 290 km east-southeast of Nellore, 320 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 310 km east-southeast of Kavali, 330 km southeast of Ongole, and 470 km south of Visakhapatnam.

Meteorological officials stated that the storm is expected to maintain its north-westward trajectory and make landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coastline as a severe cyclonic storm, carrying sustained wind speeds of 100–110 km/h with gusts up to 120 km/h.

The IMD noted that landfall is anticipated between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, spanning from 11.30 pm IST on November 2 to 4 am IST on November 3.

In response, the Rayagada district administration has intensified emergency readiness for potential disruptions from Cyclone Murasu. Authorities have deployed 11 fire service teams alongside heavy equipment to key sectors to facilitate rapid emergency response, confirmed Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra.

To review readiness for incoming heavy rainfall and cyclonic conditions, the local administration conducted a virtual emergency session chaired by the District Collector on Sunday. The discussion focused on early warning mechanisms, public shelters, rescue-and-relief measures, and essential machinery availability.

Detailing the precautionary actions, Kahanra remarked, “In preparation for Cyclone Murasu, the Rayagada District Collector held a virtual emergency meeting to discuss safety measures and readiness. Key topics included the district's preparedness, early warning systems, emergency services, and shelter preparations.”

He added that advisory notifications from the IMD and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) placed the district under a yellow warning through November 2, upgrading to an orange alert for November 3 and 4.

Emergency personnel have stationed JCBs, excavators, and Hydra cranes at critical points along Gumma Ghati and Mukundpur Ghati to ensure rapid debris removal along National Highway 326 should obstructions occur.

Kahanra added, “The administration has deployed fire station teams and machinery for road clearance, while BDOs, Tahsildars and concerned officials have been instructed to remain present with all equipment and machinery to prepare for any type of eventuality.”

ANI