CHENNAI/AMARAVATI: Severe cyclonic storm Murasu intensified over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, bringing heavy rain to Chennai and parts of northern Tamil Nadu as it moved towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast, where it is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, around midnight on Monday or in the early hours of Tuesday.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is likely to cross the coast between 11.30pm on Monday and 4am on Tuesday, packing winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.At 8.30am on Monday, the system was centred about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore and 180 km northeast of Chennai. It was moving northwestwards and was expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Heavy rain inundates parts of Chennai
The cyclone’s outer rain bands triggered widespread rainfall across Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts, with several areas receiving heavy showers since Sunday night.Kadapakkam and Parrys recorded 15 cm of rainfall each in the 24 hours ending 8.30am on Monday, followed by Manali New Town and Manali at 14 cm each. Sathangadu received 13 cm, while Kathivakkam, Ennore, Basin Bridge, Puzhal, Wimco Nagar and Tondiarpet recorded 11 cm each. Nungambakkam received 9 cm and Meenambakkam 3 cm.The IMD issued an orange alert for Chennai, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph. Several parts of the city experienced waterlogging, but Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G S Sameeran said there was no major flooding. Two of the city’s 22 subways experienced minor waterlogging, which was cleared promptly, and all remained open to traffic.Schools in Chennai were closed on Monday in view of the adverse weather conditions. Civic teams deployed pumps and backup motors in vulnerable areas to clear accumulated water.
Andhra Pradesh on high alert, evacuations ordered
The Andhra Pradesh government stepped up preparations as the cyclone approached the coast, with officials warning of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flash floods.Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan reviewed preparedness with officials from the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply departments. He directed authorities in Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla and Krishna districts to remain vigilant and evacuate people from low-lying areas to safer locations in coordination with the police, revenue and electricity departments.The government said six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams had been kept ready for rescue and relief operations.Officials were also instructed to monitor water levels in canals and streams, warn residents against approaching fast-flowing water and ensure that drinking water supplies remained uninterrupted. Authorities were asked to prioritise sanitation and chlorination of water sources after the rains subside.The state has also established 24-hour control rooms in affected districts to coordinate emergency response and provide assistance to residents.
Odisha prepares for heavy rain
Although Murasu is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, the storm is likely to affect parts of southern Odisha, prompting the state government to intensify evacuation and disaster preparedness measures.Odisha’s disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri were likely to be affected. District collectors were placed on alert, while more than 300 rescue teams comprising personnel from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Odisha Fire Service were pre-positioned.The IMD forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Gajapati and Ganjam on Monday, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph. Other districts, including Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri and Khurda, were also likely to receive rainfall.
Flights cancelled as weather disrupts travel
The cyclone warning disrupted air traffic, with airlines cancelling services connecting Chennai, Vijayawada and other destinations.IndiGo cancelled 10 flights scheduled to operate from Vijayawada airport on Monday.Air India Express also cancelled two flight services connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, and Hyderabad and Vijayawada.At Chennai airport, 11 flights connecting the city with Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa and Tiruchirappalli were cancelled. Passengers were advised to check their flight status with the respective airlines before leaving for the airport.
Chennai police issue beach advisory
With rough seas, high waves and strong winds reported along the northern Tamil Nadu coast, Greater Chennai Police warned people against entering the sea or approaching the shoreline.Visitors were advised to stay away from Marina, Pattinapakkam and Besant Nagar beaches. Parents were asked to prevent children from playing near the water, while police personnel and lifeguards were instructed to enforce safety measures along the coast.Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to follow official warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and remain in safe locations until the cyclone’s impact subsides.
