KATHMANDU: Heavy rains lashed eastern India on Tuesday after making landfall in the second cyclone in a week. Thousands of people have been evacuated to safer places, schools have been closed and trains and some air services have been suspended to protect them from the potential threat posed by Cyclone Murasu.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone Murasu made landfall near Ongole in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday morning. At that time, the maximum wind speed of the storm was 100 to 110 kilometers per hour.

Although the cyclone weakens, heavy rains are predicted for a few hours after that. Officials have warned that the rains may cause flooding in low-lying areas and affect normal life. According to the India Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of high sea waves of up to 1.5 meters in the coastal areas.

Even before the storm hit, officials evacuated residents of vulnerable areas to safer places. Schools were closed and train services and some flights were also suspended in view of the potential risks.

Cyclone Murasu has developed in the Bay of Bengal. The warm sea water in this region has been providing energy to the deadly cyclones that affect eastern India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Earlier last week, Cyclone Arnab had caused damage in various parts of Andhra Pradesh. At least five people were killed and houses and infrastructure were damaged due to the cyclone. Also, about two lakh acres of agricultural land was submerged.