Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu began crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole in Prakasam district in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the coastal belt.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the landfall process began around 1 am, with the system expected to cross between Nellore and Narasapuram. The storm developed from a depression over the Bay of Bengal on October 31 and strengthened over the following days.
Strong Winds, Red Alerts
Winds of up to 110 kmph were reported as the cyclone came ashore. IMD had warned of gusts reaching 120 kmph in coastal districts including Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Guntur, Eluru, NTR, Palnadu and West Godavari. A red alert was in force in several districts.
Heavy rain affected large parts of Andhra Pradesh. Schools were closed in affected areas, and flights and train services were disrupted. Heavy rain was also reported in the Tirumala area. IMD asked fishermen along the Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu coasts to stay ashore and advised suspension of offshore operations.
Relief and Rescue Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said it has deployed 14 teams across Andhra Pradesh, including three teams moved from Tamil Nadu, and has identified six districts as the worst-affected areas. NDRF personnel are working with the State Disaster Response Force and the local administration, and are clearing fallen trees.
- 132 mandals in 15 districts reported an abnormal impact
- 10,805 people moved to cyclone shelters
- 613 generators arranged for essential services
- No casualties reported so far
Other States on Alert
IMD has warned that Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and northern Tamil Nadu could also see heavy rain, with warnings continuing in four states until Wednesday. Odisha's Malkangiri district was placed under a yellow warning. Residents of low-lying coastal areas have been urged to follow official advisories and avoid travel.
Damage assessment is under way, and reports indicate crop losses in parts of the state. Updates are expected as officials survey the affected districts.