Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Reviews Cyclone Threat as Storm Nears

Electricity crews were still restoring power from the previous cyclone when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called an emergency review on Sunday. He cancelled a planned Delhi visit and asked senior officials about the approaching storm, expected rain, winds and reservoir levels. Officials said Murasu could bring winds of 100 to 110 kmph near landfall, with stronger gusts possible. They expect the system to cross near Bapatla on November 3. ^1,4

Bapatla is one of the coastal places facing heavy rain as the storm moves west-northwest across the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department says Murasu may strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm before crossing between Nellore and Narsapur early on November 3. Naidu’s meeting focused on what that forecast could mean on the ground. Officials expect heavy to very heavy rain on November 3 and 4. They named 20 mandals as especially at risk of extremely heavy rain. ^1,7

Those 20 mandals include nine in Eluru, five each in Krishna and NTR, and one in Bapatla. Officials estimate 179 millimetres of rain in Eluru on November 3, 163 in Krishna and 161 in NTR. The Budameru stream could carry about 32,500 cusecs of floodwater, while other streams may also flood. Strong winds could damage 12,102 to 15,128 power poles across 12 districts, threatening electricity and communications after Cyclone Arnab already damaged infrastructure. ^1,4

That risk has pushed the state government from tracking the forecast to preparing people and services. Naidu directed departments to take precautions immediately and evacuate residents from flood-prone areas in advance. Officials told him power would be restored in areas hit by the previous cyclone by Sunday night. The next key test is the forecast landfall near Bapatla on November 3, as officials act to limit deaths and property damage. ¹