Daijiworld Media Network - Amaravati
Amaravati, Nov 3: Heavy rains continued to lash south coastal Andhra Pradesh under the impact of severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu', which crossed the coast in the early hours of Tuesday, uprooting trees and electricity poles and inundating low-lying areas.
Gusty winds and heavy rainfall disrupted normal life in several places, damaged crops and affected electricity supply in the impacted districts. However, no loss of life has been reported.
The severe cyclonic storm crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, close to the coast, between 3.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m., with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph.
Widespread rainfall was recorded in Prakasam, Bapatla, Palnadu, Krishna, Eluru and West Godavari districts. Officials said the state received an average rainfall of 20.38 cm since Monday, with Bapatla recording 21 cm and Prakasam 20 cm.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Bapatla, Guntur and Prakasam districts until Wednesday morning.
Sea conditions along the Bapatla coast remained rough due to high waves. At Suryalanka beach, strong waves pushed seawater nearly 50 metres inland.
Officials said the average rainfall deficit in the state had declined from 53 per cent to 28.9 per cent due to the rains brought by cyclones 'Arnab' and 'Murasu'.
According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), heavy rainfall is likely in Polavaram, Kakinada, NTR, Krishna, Bapatla and Palnadu districts over the next few hours. Moderate rainfall is expected in Manyam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema and Eluru districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Murasu is likely to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken into a deep depression by Tuesday midnight. It has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and adjoining Telangana on Tuesday, followed by very heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Wednesday.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather updates and safety instructions.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the cyclone situation from the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre at the Secretariat. He sought details from officials about rainfall recorded in different regions and the intensity of the winds.
Naidu said precious lives had been saved by keeping the public alert at all times. He also said he had spoken to his counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to seek their cooperation in restoration works.
The Chief Minister directed officials to analyse incoming data and ensure that administrative systems function effectively in responding to the situation. He stressed the importance of "data-driven decision-making" in every aspect.
Officials said the rainfall deficit had reduced by two per cent over the past 24 hours, with a further two per cent reduction expected over the next five days.
Groundwater levels have risen by 0.45 metres in a single day, and officials estimate that groundwater reserves could be replenished by 20 to 30 TMC (thousand million cubic feet).
Ponds and minor irrigation tanks are estimated to have received up to 10 TMC of water, while 7 to 8 TMC has reached reservoirs, officials said.