Cyclone Murasu hit the southern Andhra Pradesh coast early Tuesday, November 3, with heavy rains and strong winds pounding many coastal districts. The cyclone crossed the coast near Ongole in Prakasam district at about 1 am, making life difficult for those in the region. It caused winds, rough seas and heavy rain. Winds, rough seas and heavy rain affected some coastal communities, which were affected. It caused damage to trees and boats as well as flooding in low-lying areas. Prior to the impact of the cyclone on the coast authorities initiated an evacuation effort. In many cases, the lives of thousands of people were saved as they were evacuated from dangerous areas.
Cyclone Murasu Hits Coast Near Ongole
The IMD said Cyclone Murasu hits land near Ongole; Nellore-Narsapur stretch.The storm was forecast to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph before landfall. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was also predicted over various parts of Andhra Pradesh.The storm formed over the Bay of Bengal and tracked towards the southern Andhra Pradesh coast. Its arrival added to the weather problems on the east coast, which had only recently been hit by Cyclone Arnab.
Thousands Evacuated From Coastal Areas
Before Cyclone Murasu made landfall, authorities started evacuations in flood-prone and wind-prone zones. In Andhra Pradesh, about 2,000 people had been evacuated as officials were preparing to relocate almost 30,000 people. Further, Odisha undertook mass evacuation exercise in its vulnerable districts. Over 1.6 lakh people had already been evacuated to safer areas before the cyclone. Authorities in the region set up shelters and emergency assistance for residents in coastal and low-lying zones. Disaster response units were also placed on standby to provide aid for residents if the situation deteriorated.
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Heavy Rains and Windy Conditions Hit Coastal Areas
Cyclone Murasu pounded parts of Andhra Pradesh with torrential rains and high winds. Some reports also said hundreds of trees were uprooted in the Nellore, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts. Waterlogging was reported in a few low-lying areas and fishing boats and coastal property was also damaged. IMD had forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Another weather system was expected to bring heavy rains in some parts of Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Road travel, electricity lines, farm work and fishing were also affected by the storm.
Authorities increase rescue and safety measures
The Andhra Pradesh government issued instructions to officials to stay vigilant and help people in the regions experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.State govt was instructed to ensure the safety of the common people, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said during a review.Rescue operation teams were kept on standby while local administrations kept a close watch on the sensitive districts.Residents were also told to stay indoors and stay away from flooded roads, downed trees and damaged electricity lines.
Cyclone Murasu Brings Another Weather Challenge After Cyclone Arnab
Cyclone Murasu, arriving just under a week after cyclone Arnab struck the eastern coast of India, destroyed houses and crops and killed people.Another powerful cyclone has now brought new problems to coastal areas already struggling with the damage caused by the last one.Weather: Heavy rain and snow, as well as strong winds, has impacted a number of locations, and the attention will be turned on rescue works, public safety and return to normal life.The authorities remain vigilant with the weather and are working towards assisting those impacted by Cyclone Murasu.
