Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering heavy rain and strong winds. (Img: IMD )
Prakasam: Cyclone Murasu started crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole in Prakasam district at around 1 am on Tuesday. The storm brought intense rainfall and strong winds, with speeds of 110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.
The IMD reported that the storm was located approximately 40 km southeast of Ongole, 60 km northeast of Kavali and 70 km south of Bapatla. The cyclone was expected to complete its landfall during the early morning hours.
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Officials cautioned that rising sea levels could push water 1 to 1.5 metres above the normal astronomical tide, flooding vulnerable low-lying areas until Wednesday morning. Bapatla, Prakasam and Krishna districts were likely to face the greatest risk.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to stay vigilant and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety.
During the meeting, he sought preventive measures to protect crops, irrigation tanks and essential infrastructure.
According to officials, Palnadu was likely to record the highest rainfall at around 30 cm, while Prakasam and Markapuram could receive approximately 24 cm and 19 cm.
The government has dispatched 31,000 electricity poles to support emergency restoration. Around 1,000 personnel from Chennai are also expected to assist, while Karnataka has offered 500 skilled electricity workers.
Naidu instructed departments to complete restoration work within 48 hours.
The cyclone disrupted air travel, with at least 19 domestic flights cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports on Monday.
Meanwhile, the IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris over the next 24 hours.
Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea as rough conditions and squally winds of up to 80 kmph are expected along the North Tamil Nadu coast. Residents have been urged to remain indoors and follow official advisories.
