The deep pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal has now taken the form of a severe cyclonic storm. According to the India Meteorological Department, the storm named Murasu moved in the north-west direction at a speed of about 20 kilometers per hour in the last six hours. At 2.30 am on November 2, it was recorded in the west-central Bay of Bengal around 13.6 degrees north latitude and 82.5 degrees east longitude. The weather department has warned that as it progresses, coastal districts of southern Andhra Pradesh may face strong winds and heavy weather.
Due to increase in its intensity in the sea, the administration has intensified preparations to reduce the possible damage. Vigilance has been increased in sensitive areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The process of evacuating people living in low-lying areas to safe places has also been started.
Estimated to cross the coast on the morning of November 3
According to the forecast of the Meteorological Department, Murasu is likely to cross the southern Andhra Pradesh coast between around 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3. It is expected to reach As a severe cyclonic storm around Ongole between Nellore and Narasapur. During this period, the normal wind speed can be 100 to 110 kilometers per hour. During strong gusts this speed is likely to reach 120 kilometers per hour. People living near the coast have been advised to follow the instructions of the Meteorological Department.
Which cities are under threat?
In the situation report released by the Meteorological Department, it was said that the storm was about 260 kilometers east-northeast of Chennai. Its distance from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh was said to be about 290 kilometers east-south-east. It was located about 320 km south-south-east of Machilipatnam, 310 km east-south-east of Kavali and about 330 km south-south-east of Ongole. Its distance from Visakhapatnam was recorded to be about 470 kilometers south. Considering the geographical location of these places, the coastal administration needs to take special precautions.
Second cyclone threat in a week after Arnab
The second cyclonic storm has developed in the Bay of Bengal within a week. Earlier on October 28, Cyclone Arnab had hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh. That storm caused damage in many parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. According to available information, five people lost their lives and a large number of trees and about 15 thousand electric poles were uprooted. In such a situation, the administration's concern regarding Murasu has increased further. Relief and security arrangements have become important in the coastal areas facing two consecutive storms.
Chief Minister reviewed the preparations
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the emergency arrangements. The administration has been instructed to keep relief teams and necessary resources ready in the areas that may be affected. Emphasis is being laid on taking people from low-lying areas to safe places. The name Murasu is included in the list suggested by India. In Tamil language its meaning is said to be drum of war. At present, all eyes are on the direction of the storm, its intensity and the time of hitting the coast.