Northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, has already experienced heavy rainfall due to the advancing Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu. Authorities have issued an orange alert, leading to school closures and flight cancellations at Chennai Airport to mitigate risks. The storm’s impact has caused waterlogging in several areas, disrupting daily life and requiring immediate response measures.
Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as Cyclone Murasu is forecasted to make landfall along its coast between Nellore and Narasapur near Ongole around midnight of November 2–3. The storm is moving west-northwestwards at 14 kmph over the Bay of Bengal, with sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph. Authorities warn of a storm surge of 1.5–2 meters, particularly affecting districts like Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam. The state remains vigilant, having recently faced damage from Cyclone Arnab, ensuring preparedness for potential devastation.
The Andhra Pradesh government sounded an alert in five districts – Bapatla, Palnadu, Markapuram, SPSR Nellore, and Prakasam – as the severe cyclonic storm, Murasu, stayed on course to make landfall between Ongole and Nellore on the intervening night of November 2-3. ✍️ Nellore Sravani https://t.co/fknLEjrOA3
The storm’s trajectory and intensity underscore the need for coordinated efforts. While Tamil Nadu braces for immediate effects, Andhra Pradesh focuses on safeguarding coastal communities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to monitor the system, providing critical updates to authorities and residents alike. Officials emphasize the importance of staying informed and adhering to safety protocols as the storm approaches.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to monitor the system, providing critical updates to authorities and residents alike.
- Storm Surge Warnings: Authorities issue alerts for potential flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas. - Infrastructure Checks: Roads, bridges, and drainage systems are inspected to prevent disruptions. - Community Awareness: Residents are advised to secure homes and avoid coastal regions during the storm’s peak.
As Cyclone Murasu nears landfall, both states remain in a state of heightened readiness, balancing urgency with resilience to ensure minimal impact on lives and livelihoods.
#WATCH | Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh: On police preparedness and security arrangements in view of Cyclone Murasu, District SP Harshavardhan Raju says, "From the police point of view, we are very much prepared in terms of rescue operations. In fact, we have 3 NDRF teams and 1 SDRF team stationed in the Prakasam district. We have also installed communication networks in the most affected villages, and we are in close coordination with the district administration in terms of rescuing the public and relocating them to shelter homes. We are also very particular about the traffic on the highways. In fact, we are planning to have some holding areas on the highways in case there is heavy rainfall. We have placed some procliners and JCBs to clear the roads and to make sure that traffic is restored, ensuring minimum inconvenience to the public. We are taking care of each and every aspect with respect to preparedness. We have a command and control centre in the collectorate, and our team is present in that control room. We also have a separate control room in the police headquarters. We have officers there 24/7..."