Cyclone Murasu: Andhra evacuates residents, cancels 10 flights ahead of landfall

Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as Cyclone Murasu approaches the coast, with landfall expected between Nellore and Narsapur late Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday. With heavy rain and strong winds forecast, authorities have begun evacuation measures in vulnerable areas. Air travel has also been affected, with 10 flights cancelled from Vijayawada's Gannavaram Airport.

The cyclone is expected to bring strong winds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph. Coastal districts are preparing for the impact, while disaster response teams have been placed on standby.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reviewed the state's preparedness and directed officials to take necessary precautions. Evacuation measures have been prioritised in Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla and Krishna districts, where residents in vulnerable locations are being moved to safer places.

Six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been kept ready for rescue operations. Officials have also been asked to ensure the availability of drinking water and closely monitor canals and streams. Sanitation arrangements are among the other measures being taken to prevent further difficulties during the storm.

The cyclone has also disrupted flight services. IndiGo has cancelled 10 flights from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada. Passengers have been advised to check the latest flight status before leaving for the airport.

Pawan Kalyan said the state was yet to fully recover from the impact of Cyclone Arnab and stressed the need for preparedness to minimise damage from Murasu. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation as the storm moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.

With ANI inputs