Cyclone Murasu brings rain to northern Andhra; red zones remain dry

Kakinada Rural mandal in northern Andhra Pradesh recorded 51.75 millimetres of rainfall by noon as Cyclone Murasu tracked towards the state's coast. The precipitation marks the beginning of weather impacts from the system, which meteorological authorities expect to make landfall near Ongole during the night hours.

Despite the rain reaching northern areas, red-alert zones designated for heightened cyclone preparedness have remained largely dry so far. This uneven distribution of pre-cyclone rainfall has left some high-risk districts without the advance moisture that typically accompanies tropical systems.

State authorities have positioned emergency response teams and relief materials across vulnerable coastal and inland districts. The expected crossing near Ongole, a key port city in Nellore district, has prompted enhanced vigilance measures including evacuation preparations and the deployment of rescue personnel.

As the cyclone draws closer to the coast, weather services continue to monitor rainfall intensity and wind patterns across the region. Residents in coastal areas have been advised to remain alert for further instructions from district administration as the system moves inland through the night.