Murasu upgraded to severe cyclonic storm, Odisha speeds up evacuations as flights are cancelled

Cyclone Murasu has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting the Odisha government to accelerate evacuations from at‑risk coastal areas. Over 300 rescue personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Response Force and the state fire service have been positioned in the vulnerable southern districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, with district collectors placed on high alert. The India Meteorological Department reports the system moving northwest at about 22‑25 kmph, centred roughly 200 km east‑northeast of Chennai and 210 km east‑southeast of Nellore, and is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole between 11:30 p.m. on Monday and 4 a.m. on Tuesday, bringing winds of 100‑110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

Flight disruptions

Eleven scheduled flights at Chennai International Airport have been cancelled, and ten IndiGo services from Gannavaram Airport (near Vijayawada) were called off, affecting passengers traveling to Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Tirupati and other regional hubs. Airline and airport officials have advised travelers to verify their flight status before heading to the airports.

Weather impact

Heavy rain has already flooded parts of northern Tamil Nadu, with Chennai recording 76 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours and local stations such as Parrys reporting up to 149.2 mm. Madhavaram logged 11 cm, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam each saw 10 cm. An orange alert covers Chennai, and schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts are closed for the day. In Odisha, light rain has begun, set to increase, and the Fisheries Department rescued seven fishermen whose boat capsized near Juvvaladinne village in SPSR Nellore district.

Context

Severe cyclonic storms like Murasu often trigger coordinated evacuations and flight cancellations across the Bay of Bengal region, reflecting standard disaster‑response protocols aimed at minimizing loss of life and property.