Cyclone Murasu Hits the Andhra Coast; Bangladesh May See Rain and Rough Seas

Severe cyclone Murasu has struck the coast of India's Andhra Pradesh. Under its influence, coastal areas are experiencing heavy rainfall along with gusty winds blowing at 110 to 120 kilometres per hour.

NDTV reported that the process of the cyclone's landfall began around 1am on Tuesday (3 November) through an area near Ongole in the state's Prakasam district.

At that time, the centre of the cyclone was about 40 kilometres southeast of Ongole, 60 kilometres northeast of Kavali and 70 kilometres south of Bapatla.

According to a forecast by India's meteorological department, the IMD, the cyclone may cross the coast near Ongole, in the coastal stretch between Nellore and Narsapur. Gusty winds of 110 to 120 kilometres per hour are feared to continue along the coast and adjoining areas until Wednesday morning.

Heavy rainfall has already begun in the southern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh under the cyclone's influence. The weather office said heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at various places in these areas over the next 12 hours.

There is also a fear of a storm surge in coastal areas due to the cyclone. Until Wednesday morning, a surge 1 to 1.5 metres higher than the normal tide may occur, which could inundate low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The risk of cyclone Murasu striking Bangladesh directly is comparatively low. However, its indirect influence may bring rain, cloudy skies and a rough sea to the country's coastal areas.

In particular, wave and wind intensity may increase in the Bay of Bengal, which could create risks for the movement of fishing boats and trawlers.

Some change in the weather may also be seen in Dhaka and other parts of the country. How much impact the cyclone will have on Bangladesh, however, will depend on changes in its path and strength.

Coastal residents, fishers and all concerned are therefore being advised to follow the latest warnings from the Meteorological Department.