Cyclone Murasu kills two in Andhra Pradesh, Rs 344 crore lost
Cyclone Murasu killed two people in Andhra Pradesh, state disaster chief Prakhar Jain said, according to The Hindu and PTI. Early estimates put losses at Rs 344 crore, with crops on 52,459 hectares and 312 houses damaged. About 12,230 people are staying in relief centres across the worst-hit districts.
At least two people died after Cyclone Murasu hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, The Hindu reports. Prakhar Jain, head of the state disaster agency, confirmed the deaths.
The two deaths were in Bapatla district, Jain said, according to The Hindu. “A 25-year-old man in Chinnaganjam and a 65-year-old woman in Karamchedu lost their lives after buildings collapsed on them,” he said.
Early estimates put losses at Rs 344 crore, Jain said, according to PTI. Crops on 52,459 hectares were damaged, and 312 houses were hit.
About 12,230 people are in relief centres, The Hindu and the Indian Express report. The Hindu says the worst-hit districts are Guntur, Bapatla and Palnadu.
The storm crossed the coast near Ongole early on Tuesday, The Hindu reports. The weather office said peak winds at landfall were 110 to 120 km/h. Later it weakened as it moved inland.
Jain said the damage was less severe than that from Cyclone Arnab, which hit last week, The Hindu reports. Murasu is the second cyclone to hit the state within a week.
More than 35 trains were cancelled, The Hindu and PTI report. Some flights were also cancelled.
Reports differ on power damage. PTI says 2,750 electricity poles were damaged. The Indian Express says power officials reported no disruption to supply.
Rain is expected to go on for about two more days, the Indian Express reports. In Odisha, more than 1.65 lakh people have been moved to safety.
What we know: Two people died in Bapatla district, and early losses are put at Rs 344 crore.
What we don't: The final toll on power lines, and how much more the rain will cost.
Where outlets agree The Hindu, PTI and the Indian Express report two deaths and losses of Rs 344 crore, citing state disaster chief Prakhar Jain.
Where they differ PTI reports 2,750 damaged electricity poles, while the Indian Express says power officials reported no disruption to supply.