New Delhi, 2 November (H.S.): Cyclone Murasu intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, prompting Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to step up precautionary measures, evacuate people from vulnerable areas and deploy disaster-response teams ahead of its expected landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was moving northwestwards and was likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3. Wind speeds are expected to reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph.

At 2.30 am on Monday, the cyclone was centred about 260 km east-northeast of Chennai, 290 km east-southeast of Nellore, 320 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam and 330 km southeast of Ongole. It had moved northwestwards at around 20 kmph during the preceding six hours, according to the IMD.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh on November 2 and 3, with extremely heavy showers at isolated places. A storm surge of 1-1.5 metres above the astronomical tide may inundate low-lying areas, particularly in Bapatla, Guntur, Krishna and Prakasam districts.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his scheduled visit to New Delhi on Monday and reviewed the State's preparedness. He directed officials to remain on alert, issue situation bulletins every four hours and coordinate with telecom operators to minimise disruptions to mobile connectivity. Authorities have been asked to keep rescue teams, equipment and personnel ready in vulnerable areas and prepare plans for restoring electricity in case of damage to power infrastructure.

Preliminary estimates indicate that strong winds could damage around 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. Heavy inflows are also expected in several water bodies, including Budameru, where an inflow of around 32,500 cusecs is anticipated on November 3.

Naidu also spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday and sought assistance in restoring electricity systems. According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, he requested the deployment of personnel and machinery from Tamil Nadu, and Vijay responded positively.

Several districts in Andhra Pradesh have ordered the closure of educational institutions as a precaution. Schools and colleges in NTR, Palnadu, Nellore and Gudur districts will remain closed on Monday.

Odisha is also preparing for heavy to very heavy rainfall in its southern districts, including Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam, on November 3 and 4. Winds along the coast are expected to reach 50-60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph. The Malkangiri district administration has ordered the closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres from November 2 to 4, with some institutions likely to be used as temporary cyclone shelters.

The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the Bay of Bengal and urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to safer locations. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough until November 4.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar