Cyclone Murasu has disrupted air services across parts of southern India, with 21 flights cancelled at Vijayawada and Chennai airports on Monday as authorities stepped up precautionary measures amid deteriorating weather conditions.
Ten IndiGo flights scheduled to operate from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada were cancelled due to the cyclone's impact, affecting passengers travelling to and from the city.
Airport authorities said the airline had taken precautionary measures in view of the cyclone threat and the possibility of adverse weather conditions. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
Chennai airport also announced the cancellation of several flights because of heavy rainfall. According to the airport authorities, 11 flights operating on the Chennai-Vijayawada, Chennai-Rajahmundry, Chennai-Kadapa and Chennai-Tiruchirappalli routes were cancelled.
Cyclone Murasu approaches Andhra Pradesh coast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the severe cyclonic 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, November 3.
Wind speeds during landfall are expected to reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts of up to 120 kmph. The storm is also expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to several districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Strong winds and turbulent sea conditions have already been reported in Nellore as the cyclone approaches the coast.
Odisha steps up evacuation and disaster preparedness
Meanwhile, Odisha has expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas as Cyclone Murasu intensifies over the Bay of Bengal.
State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, had been placed on high alert.
More than 300 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Service have been pre-positioned to respond to emergencies.
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in parts of Gajapati and Ganjam districts.
Authorities are monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the cyclone on vulnerable populations.