Cyclone Murasu makes landfall on India's eastern coast

BHUBANESWAR - Cyclone Murasu struck India's eastern coastline on Tuesday, marking the second storm to impact the region within a week, according to the India Meteorological Department. The severe cyclonic storm crossed the coast of Andhra Pradesh, a southeastern state, between 03:30 and 05:30 local time, with wind speeds ranging from 100-110 kph (62 to 68 mph) and gusts up to 120 kph.

As of now, there have been no reported fatalities or injuries, although uprooted trees and electric poles have been observed, as reported by Prakhar Jain, the Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority.

Authorities had initiated evacuations on Monday, with plans to relocate approximately 30,000 individuals to safety in Andhra Pradesh. The storm originated over the Bay of Bengal, a region known for generating intense tropical cyclones that have caused havoc on India's eastern coast in the past. Forecasters at the India Meteorological Department predict that the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, situated to the south, will bear the brunt of the cyclone's impact.

The previous storm, Cyclone Arnab, resulted in at least six deaths when it made landfall in Andhra Pradesh as a very severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday.