Naidu cancels Delhi visit as Cyclone Murasu nears Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu cancelled a scheduled visit to Delhi and reviewed emergency preparations as Cyclone Murasu threatened the state’s coast, with landfall forecast for late November 2 or early November 3. The India Meteorological Department forecast that the severe cyclonic storm would cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur. It said sustained winds could reach 100 to 110 km/h, with gusts up to 120 km/h. The forecast remained prospective, and the storm’s eventual track and impact had not been established in the reports. Naidu met senior officials to review expected rainfall, wind conditions, reservoir levels and preparations for relief and restoration. Officials forecast moderate to heavy rain in southern and central coastal districts on November 2, followed by heavy to extremely heavy rain in several areas on November 3 and 4. Officials identified 20 mandals as likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall: nine in Eluru district, five each in Krishna and NTR districts, and one in Bapatla district. Their November 3 district rainfall estimates included 179 millimetres for Eluru, 163 mm for Krishna, 161 mm for NTR, 147 mm for West Godavari, 119 mm...