Cyclone Murasu nears Andhra Pradesh coast after intensifying over Bay of Bengal

UPDATE - follow-up to Cyclone Murasu LIVE update: Orange alert in six Telangana districts, yellow alert in five; holiday announced for schools, colleges in T.N., A.P. districts: Cyclone Murasu is heading towards the coast and will likely hit land on the morning of November 3 between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department states that the storm brings wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, which may reach 120 kmph in gusts.

What Happened

Educational institutions remain shut on Monday in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts on the orders of Chennai District Collector S. Malathi Helen and Tiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha. Palnadu District Collector Kritika Shukla also declared a holiday for schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres for Tuesday. Rainfall measurements till late Sunday night show 20.4 mm in Nungambakkam, 39 mm at Ennore Port, and 21 mm in Madhavaram. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu contacted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to ask for help with power restoration and machinery because heavy damage downed numerous utility poles.

Context

Tropical cyclones frequently form over the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon months, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to India's eastern coastline. State disaster management authorities coordinate closely with weather agencies and district officials to issue alerts, evacuate vulnerable coastal residents, and prepare emergency response teams.