Severe Cyclone Murasu makes landfall near Kothapatnam in Andhra Pradesh

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu began its landfall process at 1 a.m. near Kothapatnam close to Ongole in Andhra Pradesh, bringing maximum sustained wind speeds between 110 kmph and 120 kmph, with some reports noting gusts touching 150 kmph.

Relief And Rescue

Several thatched houses collapsed and residents were stranded at Samatha Nagar in Ongole within Prakasam district following heavy rains and strong winds. The district administration initiated rescue operations to evacuate stranded individuals, while a statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu inside the Prakasam district Collectorate premises collapsed after a large tree fell on it. Hundreds of trees were uprooted across Nellore, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts.

Official Response

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a review teleconference with district Collectors and energy officials at 3.30 a.m. Officials reported that no electricity poles fell and power supply remained uninterrupted across affected zones, though the Chief Minister instructed that people must stay off roads until obstructions are cleared. Prakhar Jain, SDMA Managing Director and RTGS CEO, urged residents to remain highly alert. Additionally, the Real Time Governance Society launched a dedicated WhatsApp grievance platform at number 9552300009 using the 'Mana Mitra' service for reporting emergencies like waterlogging and tree falls. In NTR district, Collector Lakshmi Sha inspected the Budameru area and ordered shops and complexes to stay closed while shifting families from Mogalrajapuram to relief camps due to landslide risks. Heavy downpours also waterlogged major roads like Bandar Road and Polyclinic Road in Vijayawada.

Context

Coastal Andhra Pradesh frequently experiences severe cyclonic storms originating over the Bay of Bengal during the northeast monsoon season. State disaster management authorities routinely deploy multi-departmental coordination teams and digital helplines like WhatsApp desks to manage swift evacuations and minimize infrastructure damage.