Cyclone Murasu: Schools shut in Andhra, Chennai; thousands evacuated as 120kmph winds loom

New Delhi: Heavy clouds, winds and rough seas gave been reported across parts of Andhra Pradesh as cyclonic storm Murasu approaches the state’s southern coastline. Mypadu Beach in Nellore witnessed turbulent sea conditions, while heavy clouds gathered over Vijayawada. Rain has also returned to Chennai, where schools and colleges have been ordered to remain closed on Monday as a precautionary measure.

With the storm expected to make landfall within hours, authorities have stepped up evacuation and rescue preparations. Around 2,000 people have already been moved to safer locations in Andhra Pradesh, while the state is planning to evacuate nearly 30,000 people, Andhra Pradesh state disaster management authority managing director, Prakhar Jain, told Reuters on Monday.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force’s fourth battalion have been sent from Nagarikuppam near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu’s Ranipet district to Andhra Pradesh. The teams will assist in rescue and relief operations, the NDRF said.

Neighbouring Odisha has also activated its emergency response arrangements, particularly in districts vulnerable to heavy rainfall and road disruptions. In Rayagada, all 11 fire station teams have been mobilized, while JCBs, excavators and Hydra cranes have been positioned at Gumma Ghati and Mukundpur Ghati to clear National Highway 326 if roads are blocked.

Additional district magistrate, Ravindranath Kahanra, said officials had been instructed to remain ready with equipment and machinery. The district administration has issued a yellow warning for November 2, followed by an orange warning for November 3 and 4, based on IMD and special relief commissioner forecasts.

The Odisha chief minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, also chaired a review meeting in Bhubaneswar to assess the state’s preparedness. The revenue and disaster management minister, Suresh Pujari; additional chief secretary, Arabinda Padhee; and IMD Bhubaneswar director, Manorama Mohanty, were among those present.

IMD warns of 120kmph wind gusts during landfall

In its latest update shared on X, the India Meteorological Department said cyclonic storm Murasu was moving west-northwestwards over the Bay of Bengal at a speed of 22kmph. The storm’s position was recorded at 8.30am on Monday, when it was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal, around 160km east-southeast of Nellore and 180km northeast of Chennai.

According to the IMD, Murasu is predicted to hit the coast of south Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, from 11.30pm on Monday till 4am on Tuesday. Murasu is most probably going to be a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds ranging between 100-110kmph and gusting up to 120kmph.

Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, and Krishna coastland regions are some of the regions that might face the threat of strong winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding. Furthermore, the IMD has issued a warning for a storm surge of 1-1.5 meters above the astronomical tides that may flood the low-lying areas in south coastal Andhra Pradesh, especially the Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts.