Andhra Pradesh, which faced the fury of Cyclone Arnab just days ago, is staring at another serious cyclone threat. A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a cyclonic storm named Murasu, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says it may hit the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3.
The back-to-back cyclone threat has raised concern among the administration and the public in the state. People in Andhra Pradesh are yet to fully recover from Arnab, and now a fresh system is approaching the same coast.
Landfall expected around November 3
According to the weather department, the weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a cyclone. It is expected to reach the south Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts around November 3 and complete landfall there.
The system has been tracked as it strengthens over the sea, and its path points towards the Andhra coast. Authorities are watching its movement closely as the landfall window approaches.
Heavy rain and strong wind warnings
The IMD has issued a red and orange alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rain in many parts of Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on November 2 and 3. Neighbouring south Odisha is also likely to receive heavy rain on November 3 and 4.
As the storm nears the coast, winds of 80 to 100 kilometres per hour are likely in coastal areas. Such winds can damage kutcha houses, uproot trees and bring down electricity poles, adding to the risk for coastal residents.
Fishermen have been given a strict warning in view of the bad weather and extremely dangerous sea conditions in the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea at least till Wednesday afternoon, and those already in the deep sea have been told to return to the coast immediately. Conditions remain extremely dangerous in the south-east and central Bay of Bengal.
Arnab wounds still fresh
It is worth noting that Cyclone Arnab hit the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28, causing heavy destruction. That cyclone, with winds of nearly 130 kilometres per hour, damaged houses, uprooted trees and disrupted power supply.
Three people lost their lives during Arnab, and more than 1.8 lakh people had to be moved to safe places. People had not yet fully recovered from that disaster when Murasu emerged as a new threat.
Administration on alert
In view of the back-to-back storms, the Andhra Pradesh government and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) are fully alert. Instructions have been issued to evacuate people from sensitive areas and keep relief camps ready so that any emergency can be handled.
The administration is preparing for evacuation, shelter and relief operations ahead of the expected landfall, with the aim of avoiding a repeat of the disruption caused by Arnab.
