Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu completed its landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole during the early hours of November 3, bringing powerful winds and intense rainfall to several coastal areas. Although the landfall process has ended, weather conditions remain challenging, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across affected districts.
According to the IMD, the cyclone crossed the coast between 3:30 am and 5:30 am IST near the stretch between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole. The landfall process had begun around 1 am. Wind speeds in the affected coastal belt reached approximately 100–110 kmph, with gusts touching 120 kmph.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu completes landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
Location: India.
Authority/Organisation: India Meteorological Department, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, NDRF and SDRF.
Action Taken: Evacuations, relief shelters, medical camps and emergency response operations initiated.
Impact: Heavy rainfall, strong winds, localised flooding and transport disruptions; approximately 10,000 people evacuated.
The storm has started weakening after crossing the coast. In its November 3 updates, the IMD indicated that Murasu was likely to weaken from a severe cyclonic storm into a cyclonic storm and subsequently into a deep depression by midnight, subject to its continued movement and atmospheric conditions.
The impact has been significant across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, uprooted trees and localised flooding have disrupted normal activities. Some houses were reported submerged in low-lying areas, while fallen trees and damaged power infrastructure affected electricity supply and road movement in certain locations.
The state administration has established relief shelters and moved vulnerable residents to safer locations. According to information shared by the Union Home Ministry during the day, approximately 10,000 people had been evacuated and accommodated in relief shelters. Medical camps were also established to assist affected residents.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Cyclone Murasu highlights the continuing risks faced by coastal communities during severe weather events. Even after a cyclone completes landfall, heavy rainfall and strong winds can create dangerous conditions, particularly in low-lying settlements and areas vulnerable to flooding. The evacuation of thousands of residents and deployment of disaster-response teams demonstrate the importance of early warnings and coordinated emergency preparedness. Continued monitoring is essential to prevent further disruption and protect people in affected districts.
The worst-affected areas include parts of Prakasam, Krishna, Guntur and Nellore districts. Rainfall observations reported by the IMD showed extremely heavy rainfall in several coastal locations. Naguluppalapadu in Prakasam recorded 198.01 mm of rainfall up to 6 am on November 3, while Kothapatnam recorded 182.25 mm.
The storm also affected transport and public services. Reports indicated that 19 domestic flights were cancelled in Andhra Pradesh during the early phase of the disruption. Schools in some districts remained closed, while heavy rain delayed urban local body election vote counting in Vijayawada and affected the counting process in Guntur.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and assured the state of all possible assistance from the Centre. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been involved in response and relief operations.
Officials have continued monitoring the situation as the cyclone moves north-northwestwards and gradually loses strength. Even after landfall, heavy rainfall, strong winds and waterlogging remain major concerns for vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas.
As of the latest reported updates on November 3, authorities had reported no loss of life. However, assessments of damage to homes, crops, electricity infrastructure and public facilities are continuing.
