Flight cancellations reported in Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Murasu approaches
At least 19 domestic flights were grounded across three Andhra Pradesh airports on Monday due to the approaching severe cyclonic storm Murasu.
At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, according to reports from The Indian Express and PTI. The disruptions occurred as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu approached the coast.
Vijayawada Airport director M Lakshmi Kantha Reddy stated that IndiGo cancelled 10 flights and Air India Express cancelled two. At Visakhapatnam Airport, four flights were cancelled, while Tirupati Airport director D Boominathan noted that IndiGo cancelled services to Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the storm will make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3. The storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
In Chennai, 11 flights were cancelled on Monday due to adverse weather. The IMD issued an orange alert for the city, and schools in Chennai remained closed on Monday.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority managing director Prakhar Jain said approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated so far, with plans to evacuate around 30,000 people. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials on Sunday to prepare for relief and rescue operations.