Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Murasu has severely impacted Vijayawada, causing widespread flooding, traffic disruptions, and the closure of educational institutions. The intense downpour on Tuesday led to significant waterlogging across the city, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
Widespread Flooding and Traffic Chaos
Several key areas in Vijayawada experienced considerable water accumulation, making commuting hazardous for residents. Localities such as Bhavanipuram, Nirmala Convent Road, EV Manor Road, Polyclinic Road, and Eluru Road were among the most affected. Reports indicated water levels reaching knee-height near the lower bridge close to the bus stand, while other parts of the city saw ankle-deep water.
The inundation caused significant traffic slowdowns on numerous roads as motorists and pedestrians struggled to navigate the waterlogged stretches. Additionally, falling tree branches in Chitti Nagar raised concerns about road safety amid the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Shut, Flights Cancelled
In response to the prevailing severe weather, officials ordered the closure of all educational institutions across NTR and Krishna districts for Wednesday. This decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff, protecting them from potential risks associated with heavy rain and challenging road conditions.
Air travel was also impacted, with Fly91 canceling its Hyderabad–Vijayawada–Hyderabad flights (IC 3305 and IC 3306) scheduled for Tuesday, further highlighting the widespread disruption caused by the cyclone.
Cyclone Murasu's Movement and Rainfall Data
Cyclone Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole in the early hours of Tuesday, bringing strong winds and heavy precipitation to parts of the state. While the weather system subsequently weakened as it moved inland, its effects, particularly heavy rainfall, continued to cause disruptions in affected areas.
Rainfall data underscored the severity of the event. The Vijayawada division recorded a cumulative rainfall of 438.8 mm by 5 pm on Tuesday, marking the highest among the district's three divisions. The broader NTR district experienced even higher figures, logging a cumulative rainfall of 857.8 mm during the same period. This intense downpour has exposed challenges in managing rainwater in low-lying urban areas, keeping both residents and authorities on high alert for potential further rainfall.