Cyclone Murasu Hits Andhra Pradesh: Heavy Rain, Flights And Trains Cancelled, Schools Shut

Amravati: Cyclone 'Murasu', which originated in the Bay of Bengal, hit the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh on the morning of Tuesday, November 3. This severe cyclonic storm caused heavy rains along with strong winds in the coastal areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm crossed the coast between Nellore and Narasapur near Ongole. During this period, the wind speed was 100 to 110 kilometers per hour, while with gusts it reached up to 120 kilometers per hour. Due to the cyclone, an alert has been issued in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. There is a possibility of waterlogging and disruption of life in many areas. 

Where and at what speed did Cyclone Murasu hit?

According to the IMD, Cyclone Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast around 3:30 am to 5:30 am on November 3. Its landfall occurred near Ongole. With the storm, waves up to 1 to 1.5 meters higher than the normal tide were expected to arise in the sea. This may lead to flood like situation in low lying areas of Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts.

What is the situation due to rain in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry?

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have also received continuous rain due to the external impact of the cyclone. Alert of heavy to very heavy rain was issued in many districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Vellore and Ranipet. Waterlogging was seen in many areas of Chennai. The administration had declared holiday in schools and colleges as a precautionary measure. 

How much was the impact on railway and air services?

Transport services have also been affected due to the cyclone. East Coast Railway has canceled eight trains on November 3 and 4. These include trains like Howrah-Kantabanji Express, Rourkela-Jagdalpur Express and Puri-Rourkela Express.

At the same time, at least 19 domestic flights have been canceled from Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports of Andhra Pradesh. Passengers have been advised to check the status of their flight before going to the airport. 

How many people were evacuated to safe places in Odisha?

In view of the threat of the cyclone, the Odisha government launched a large-scale relief and rescue operation. More than 1.60 lakh people were evacuated to safe places from five southern districts of the state. The administration has prepared relief camps so that food, water and necessary facilities can be provided to the affected people.

Apart from this, more than 300 rescue teams of NDRF, ODRAF and fire department have been kept on alert. 

What preparations has the administration made?

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to remain alert and expedite relief operations. Special teams have also been deployed to quickly restore the power system. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have also prepared to send electricity workers and necessary equipment to help Andhra Pradesh.

At present, even after the cyclone crosses the coast, there is a danger of rain and strong winds. In such a situation, the administration has appealed to the people to stay away from the beaches and low-lying areas and follow the warnings of the Meteorological Department.