Cyclone Murasu: Severe Storm Set for Landfall India’s Andhra Pradesh

IMD issues a red alert as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole with wind gusts of 120 kmph and heavy rainfall warnings.

News Source: https://www.thehindu.com/

As Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu moves northwestward approaching the coast of south Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "Red Message" cyclone warning. Between 11:30 PM tonight and 4:00 AM tomorrow, the system is expected to cross the coastline between India’s Nellore and Narsapur and make landfall around Ongole.

Murasu is predicted by meteorologists to be a strong cyclonic storm with devastating gusts of up to 120 kmph and persistent winds of 100 to 110 kmph. Astronomical tidal waves between 1.0 and 1.5 meters above astronomical tides are predicted to result from the strong storm surge caused by the high wind speeds. Low-lying coastal areas are at risk of flooding due to this surge, with the districts of Prakasam, Bapatla, and Krishna expected to be most affected.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has implemented extensive emergency procedures in reaction to the impending danger. Six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units make up the thirteen specialist rescue teams that have been carefully placed throughout extremely vulnerable districts. Residents of vulnerable coastal villages and thatched homes are being actively evacuated by local authorities to designated relief centers.

Travel and public infrastructure have been seriously impacted by the approaching storm. All educational institutions, including schools and colleges, are to close on Monday in the districts of NTR, Guntur, and Palnadu, according to a directive from the authorities. School closures have also been imposed in Ganjam, Odisha, and Chennai and Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, as a result of the cascading effects. Additionally, more than 20 domestic flights from the airports in Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada have had to be canceled due to the severe weather.

For the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Markapuram, and Nellore, a red alert is still in effect. These areas are anticipating both isolated areas of very heavy rainfall and widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall. As the system moves inland, the IMD has extended heavy rainfall advisories over portions of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

In addition to releasing the toll-free emergency helplines 112, 1070, and 18004250101 for urgent help, state officials have advised the public to remain indoors.

FAQs:

Q: Where is Cyclonic Storm Murasu expected to make landfall?

A: It is anticipated that Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu may reach the coast between Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore and Narsapur and make landfall at Ongole.

Q: When will Cyclone Murasu cross the Andhra Pradesh coast?

A: Between 11:30 PM tonight and 4:00 AM tomorrow, the system is expected to cross the coastline.

Q: What are the expected wind speeds of Cyclone Murasu during landfall?

A: Murasu is predicted by meteorologists to be a strong cyclonic storm with devastating gusts of up to 120 kmph and persistent winds of 100 to 110 kmph.

Q: Which districts of Andhra Pradesh will face the highest risk from the storm surge?

A: Low-lying coastal areas are at risk of flooding due to this surge, with the districts of Prakasam, Bapatla, and Krishna expected to be most affected.

Q: How many rescue teams have been deployed to handle the cyclone emergency?

A: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has implemented extensive emergency procedures in reaction to the impending danger. Six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units make up the thirteen specialist rescue teams that have been carefully placed throughout extremely vulnerable districts.