The strong tropical cyclone Mursu is preparing to make landfall along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh, between Nellore and Narsapur, early Tuesday morning. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and wind gusts up to 120 km/h. The cyclone's approach has placed several coastal states on high alert, disrupted air travel, and triggered evacuation and relief measures.
At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled in Andhra Pradesh, affecting airports in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati. In response to the natural disaster, Tamil Nadu state provided assistance to the neighboring state by dispatching three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 people, as well as 25 power grid teams with 500 personnel and necessary equipment.
Heavy rainfall in Chennai, schools closed
Light rains have also fallen on parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur districts, continuing since Sunday. Meanwhile, the state of Odisha has intensified efforts to evacuate the population from vulnerable areas, as the cyclone was expected to bring heavy precipitation to its southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
Farmers fear further crop losses
The approaching cyclone has heightened concerns among farmers whose crops have already been affected by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent flooding. Rohitashwa Ranjan, a digital journalist for The Times of India, covers Indian politics, viewing it as a carefully staged performance with scripts and subtext.

