Amaravati, 3 November (H.S.): Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, early Tuesday, bringing winds of 100-110 kmph with gusts reaching 120 kmph. No deaths or injuries had been reported so far, although trees and electricity poles were uprooted in some areas, according to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the landfall took place between 3.30 am and 5.30 am on November 3. At 5.30 am, the storm was centred over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, close to Ongole, around 40 km southwest of Bapatla.

The cyclone is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm by noon, with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph and gusts up to 100 kmph, before further weakening into a deep depression by midnight, the IMD said.

Heavy spells of rainfall are likely to continue along the south Andhra coast during the next 12 hours. The IMD had warned of a storm surge of around 1-1.5 metres above the astronomical tide, with the maximum impact expected over Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts. Low-lying areas remained vulnerable to inundation.

Strong winds and heavy rain affected several coastal locations. Trees were uprooted in parts of Bapatla, including near Suryalanka Road, while heavy rainfall lashed the Kothapatnam Beach area in Prakasam district. Several parts of Vijayawada also experienced heavy rain and waterlogging, affecting road movement.

In NTR district, some families were shifted to relief camps as a precaution against possible landslides in Mogalrajapuram. District Collector Lakshmisha said there had been no major issues in the district so far and advised residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled in Andhra Pradesh amid the adverse weather conditions. Disaster-response personnel were deployed in affected areas to clear uprooted trees and assist with relief operations.

The IMD has advised residents to continue following official weather bulletins and local administration instructions as rainfall is expected to persist even after the cyclone's landfall.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar