Severe cyclonic storm expected to make landfall near Ongole with winds of up to 120 kmph; Chennai faces heavy rain and flight disruptions, while Odisha mobilises more than 300 rescue teams
A severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting large-scale evacuation preparations and emergency response measures across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday, even as parts of the eastern coast continue to recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab last week.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Murasu was centred over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Monday, November 2. It was moving west-northwestwards at around 25 kmph and was located approximately 200 km east-northeast of Chennai, 210 km east-southeast of Nellore and 260 km southeast of Ongole.
The weather department has forecast that the storm will cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11.30 pm on Monday and 4 am on Tuesday. It is expected to bring sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh steps up evacuation
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have begun evacuating people from vulnerable coastal areas. Around 2,000 people had been moved to safer locations by Monday, with the state reportedly planning to evacuate approximately 30,000 people as the storm approaches, according to the Reuters report.
The state administration has activated its disaster response arrangements, with coastal districts on alert and residents in vulnerable locations being advised to follow official instructions.
The preparations come as Andhra Pradesh is still assessing the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in the state on October 29. The storm claimed at least six lives, according to officials cited by Reuters, and damaged homes, crops and critical infrastructure. More than 15,000 electricity poles were reportedly damaged, disrupting power supply across several areas.
Tamil Nadu has extended assistance to its neighbouring state. The state government has deployed 500 electricity department personnel in 25 teams, along with essential equipment, to help restore power infrastructure damaged by Murasu. Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar said the deployment followed a request from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Chennai hit by heavy rain, flight disruptions
Meanwhile, heavy overnight rainfall inundated parts of Chennai and neighbouring Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts. Schools in Chennai were declared closed on Monday, while the IMD issued an orange alert for the city.
Chennai airport authorities reported flight cancellations due to adverse weather and advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for updates.
Madhavaram recorded 11 cm of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding the report, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam received 10 cm each.
Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G S Sameeran said the city had not experienced major flooding, although some areas reported water stagnation. Two of the city’s 22 subways experienced minor waterlogging, which was cleared promptly, he said. Civic teams equipped with pumps and backup motors were deployed in vulnerable areas, while arrangements were made to manage traffic and respond to possible coastal flooding.
Odisha prepares for possible impact
Although Murasu is forecast to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha has also stepped up its preparedness, particularly across its southern districts. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri were among the districts likely to experience the storm’s impact.
District collectors have been alerted, with emergency response arrangements strengthened across the state. More than 300 teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Odisha Fire Service have been positioned for rescue and relief operations.
Pujari said teams deployed during Cyclone Arnab were still in place and would remain available to respond to any emergency arising from Murasu.
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places in Ganjam and Gajapati, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph. Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri and Khurda are also likely to receive rainfall.
Odisha has already begun experiencing light rain in some areas, with the intensity expected to increase. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable locations to remain alert and follow safety advisories as the storm advances towards the Andhra coast.
