Cyclone Murasu prompted large-scale evacuations on Monday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast the storm would strike close to Ongole late in the day with maximum sustained winds of 100–110 km/h.
Thousands of residents were moved out of low-lying and vulnerable areas, officials said, as preparations were stepped up along the likely landfall zone. The evacuation effort is intended to reduce risk to communities in the path of the storm.
IMD issued the wind-speed estimate and timing for the system, identifying it as the second cyclone to threaten the same coastal region within a week. The close succession of systems has raised concerns about the potential for compounded impacts on communities and recovery operations.
Local authorities and emergency services said they were monitoring the situation and coordinating response measures as the system approached. The IMD and public officials said they would continue to issue updates and advisories as the storm’s track and strength evolved.