CYCLONE MURASU THREATENS EASTERN COAST, 19 FLIGHTS CANCELLED IN ANDHRA PRADESH

November 2, 2026

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 2: Heavy rainfall battered India's eastern coastal regions on Monday as Cyclone Murasu approached the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting large-scale precautionary evacuations, flight cancellations and heightened disaster preparedness across several states.

At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled at Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports. Chennai also experienced intense rainfall and waterlogging in several areas, leading authorities to declare a holiday for schools. Passengers were advised to contact airlines regarding flight disruptions.

Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in southern Andhra Pradesh between Monday midnight and Tuesday early morning, with sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. Thousands of people in vulnerable areas were being moved to safer locations as authorities intensified preparations.

Odisha also stepped up evacuation and emergency arrangements, particularly in southern districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. More than 300 rescue teams from the NDRF, ODRAF and Odisha Fire Service were placed on standby. Several districts announced the closure of schools and colleges until November 3.

The approaching cyclone has heightened concerns among farmers already struggling with agricultural losses caused by Cyclone Arnab. Officials said the earlier storm and subsequent flooding had affected 1.18 lakh people, damaged 1,672 houses and impacted thousands of hectares of agricultural land in Odisha.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also extended disaster-response assistance to Andhra Pradesh, deploying personnel and equipment to support emergency operations and restoration of essential services.