Authorities in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh have begun evacuating thousands of residents from vulnerable coastal communities as Cyclone Murasu approaches, threatening strong winds, heavy rainfall and widespread damage.
The storm is expected to make landfall late Monday near Ongole, less than a week after another deadly cyclone struck the region.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu is forecast to cross the southern Andhra Pradesh coastline between Nellore and Narsapur between 11:30 p.m. Monday and 4 a.m. Tuesday.
The weather agency warned that the severe cyclonic storm could bring sustained winds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour.
Prakhar Jain, managing director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, said approximately 2,000 residents had been evacuated by Monday, with officials preparing to relocate as many as 30,000 people from high-risk areas.
The evacuations come as coastal communities continue recovering from Cyclone Arnab, which struck southeastern India last week.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed government departments and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert and take preventive measures ahead of the storm.
Naidu warned that the cyclone could damage between 6,000 and 8,000 electricity poles, potentially causing extensive power outages across affected districts.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan identified Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla and Krishna as districts likely to experience some of the storm’s most severe effects.
Emergency response teams have been mobilized to assist with evacuations, rescue operations and disaster preparedness.
Officials said six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed across vulnerable areas.
Three of the NDRF teams were brought in from neighbouring Tamil Nadu to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
In Nellore district, Collector Himanshu Shukla urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea because of dangerous weather and rough maritime conditions.
He also directed officials stationed in coastal communities to remain at their posts and ensure that emergency arrangements were in place.
As a precaution, authorities have ordered school closures in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall could continue across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh until Wednesday, even after the cyclone weakens following landfall.
The approaching storm has raised concerns about further damage to infrastructure, agricultural areas and homes in communities already affected by last week’s cyclone.
With tens of thousands of residents potentially requiring evacuation, state authorities are prioritizing public safety, emergency shelter arrangements and the protection of essential services as Cyclone Murasu moves toward India’s southeastern coastline.
