CYCLONE MURASU INTENSIFIES, MAKES LANDFALL IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Cyclonic Storm Murasu intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the West Central and Southwest Bay of Bengal and made landfall near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh with sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, officials said Monday night.
The system, observed by the India Meteorological Department at 2:30 a.m. positioned about 260 km east-northeast of Chennai, crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast during the early hours of November 3. Landfall commenced at approximately 1 a.m. and was expected to be completed within two hours, with the system moving northwestward at 9 kmph over the preceding six hours.
Extremely heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for five districts — Eluru, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, and SPSR Nellore — with very heavy rainfall likely in additional districts including NTR, Eluru, East and West Godavari, Palnadu, Chittoor, and Tirupati.
Several thatched houses collapsed and residents were stranded at Samatha Nagar in Ongole, Prakasam district, following heavy rains and strong winds. The district administration initiated rescue operations to evacuate those affected. The statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu in the Prakasam district Collectorate premises collapsed after a large tree fell on it due to heavy rain and strong winds.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu directed irrigation officials to step up safety measures at reservoirs and closely monitor flood inflows, particularly expressing concern about heavy inflows into Gundlakamma and Rallapadu reservoirs. He ordered reviews of reservoir inflows and water levels every two hours and instructed officials in Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore districts to remain on high alert.
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directed APCPDCL and APSPDCL officials to remain on high alert in South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts. He directed the removal of dangerous trees leaning over power lines, kept field staff and emergency equipment readily available, and activated the toll-free helpline 1912. Officials warned the public against touching snapped electricity wires and to stay away from electric poles and trees.
Despite the cyclone's intensity, no power disruptions were reported anywhere in the affected areas. The coordination between irrigation, revenue, and disaster management departments continued through a dedicated flood control cell to monitor the situation and issue timely warnings to vulnerable populations.
