Cyclone Murasu: Flights cancelled, NDRF on standby as Andhra braces for landfall

NEW DELHI: Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is set to make landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur in the early hours of Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and winds of up to 120 kmph. The approaching cyclone has put several coastal states on alert, disrupted flight operations and triggered evacuation and relief measures.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Murasu was very likely to move northwestwards and cross the coast near Ongole between 11.30pm on Monday and 4am on Tuesday, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.Heavy rainfall has already lashed parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while Odisha has stepped up preparedness amid concerns over fresh damage following Cyclone Arnab.Here are the top developments:

Andhra govt rolls out grievance reporting mechanism

Andhra Pradesh government rolled out a dedicated grievance reporting mechanism to provide swift assistance to citizens affected by Cyclone Murasu.Residents in cyclone-hit regions can report emergencies and civic disruptions—such as power outages, uprooted trees, collapsed walls, waterlogging, and other distress situations—by sending a message to the dedicated WhatsApp number 9552300009.The facility is designed to establish direct communication between citizens and administration, enabling prompt on-ground intervention and effective coordination during disaster management operations.According to officials, citizens can report cyclone-related grievances by following a simple step-by-step process: Send a “Hi” to WhatsApp number 9552300009. Select the “Services” option from the menu. Choose “Murasu Cyclone Issues”. Click on “Report Issue” and confirm.Select “Registration” and enter essential details, including name, district, and mandal.

19 flights cancelled in Andhra Pradesh

At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled across Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati airports as the cyclone approached the Andhra Pradesh coast.Vijayawada Airport director M Lakshmi Kantha Reddy said IndiGo cancelled 10 flights and Air India Express two. Four flights were cancelled at Visakhapatnam airport, while three were cancelled at Tirupati airport.Chennai airport authorities also cancelled some flights and advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for updates.Andhra Pradesh on high alertChief minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain on alert as moderate to heavy rainfall and strong winds were expected across south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.Naidu expressed hope that the impact would be limited, citing forecasts of lower wind speeds and rainfall intensity compared with Cyclone Arnab.The state energy department also placed power utilities on high alert, directing officials to take precautionary measures to minimise damage to electricity infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply.Energy minister G Ravi Kumar asked distribution companies to remain particularly vigilant in the vulnerable regions.

Tamil Nadu sends NDRF, power teams to Andhra

Tamil Nadu extended assistance to its neighbouring state, deploying three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 90 personnel and 25 electricity department teams with 500 personnel and essential equipment.Karnataka also announced that it would send 500 skilled power personnel along with equipment to help restore electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab.

Heavy rainfall in Chennai, schools shut

Heavy rainfall also lashed several parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts, with showers continuing since Sunday night.The weather department warned of very heavy rainfall in Chennai and Tiruvallur, while heavy showers were forecast for Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris.Schools in Chennai were closed on Monday as authorities braced for further rainfall. The IMD said rain intensity was likely to ease only after the cyclone completely crossed the coast.

Odisha evacuates people, puts 300 rescue teams on standby

Odisha stepped up evacuation efforts in vulnerable areas as the cyclone was expected to bring heavy rainfall to its southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.Disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said district collectors had been alerted and more than 300 rescue teams from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services had been kept on standby.Schools and colleges in some southern districts have been closed until November 3.

The fresh weather threat has also raised concerns over the ongoing search for 10 people missing in a landslide.

Farmers fear fresh crop losses

The approaching cyclone has added to the concerns of farmers whose standing crops were damaged by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent flooding.Ganjam district reported the maximum damage to paddy crops, with several fields inundated. Farmers fear another spell of heavy rainfall could cause further losses and damage crops nearing harvest.Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods had affected 1.18 lakh people, damaged 1,672 houses and impacted 75,388 hectares of agricultural land.The agriculture department, however, estimated the damaged crop area at around 90,000 hectares.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a special relief package for those affected by Cyclone Arnab, adding that it would be reviewed after an assessment of the damage caused by Murasu.