Cyclone Murasu nears Andhra coast with 120 kmph winds as evacuation picks up pace

UPDATE - follow-up to Cyclone Murasu LIVE updates: Odisha expedites evacuation from vulnerable areas as storm intensifies: Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is approaching the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh, bringing winds of up to 120 kmph and heavy rain. According to the India Meteorological Department, the system is set to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, between 11.30 p.m. today and 4 a.m. on November 3.

Evacuation and Relief

State authorities have already moved around 2,000 people to safer places, with plans to evacuate about 30,000 residents in total. Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority managing director Prakhar Jain stated that evacuation work is continuing in vulnerable coastal zones. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is sending 25 teams with equipment to help with power restoration, after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sought support. Three NDRF teams with 90 personnel from Arakkonam have also been deployed to districts like Nellore, Prakasam, and Markapuram.

Transport Disruptions

Transport services face major cuts as the storm approaches. Eleven flights arriving and departing from Chennai airport and ten IndiGo flights from Gannavaram Airport have been cancelled. Railways have also cancelled nine trains. Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts remain closed on Monday due to heavy rain and waterlogging.

Context

Tropical cyclones frequently form in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon season, bringing destructive winds and intense rainfall to India's eastern coastline. Timely evacuations and multi-state coordination help reduce the risk of loss of life during these severe weather events.