Severe Cyclone Murasu Crosses Andhra Coast, Triggers Heavy Rains and Rescue Efforts

UPDATE - follow-up to Cyclone Murasu LIVE updates: No power disruptions reported as cyclone makes landfall near Kothapatnam: The eye of severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast at 5.30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.

Storm Details

The storm moved north to northwestwards at a speed of 8 kmph and was centred 30 km north to northeast of Ongole and 40 km southwest of Bapatla at 8.30 a.m. Meteorological officials expect the system to weaken into a cyclonic storm by Tuesday noon with wind speeds reaching up to 90 kmph, and further subside into a deep depression by midnight.

Local Impact

Heavy rains caused thatched houses to collapse and stranded residents at Samatha Nagar in Ongole, where the district administration has started rescue operations. A statue of Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu in the Prakasam district Collectorate premises also collapsed after a large tree fell on it.

Relief Measures

The Andhra Pradesh government launched a WhatsApp grievance reporting platform called 'Mana Mitra' through the Real Time Governance Society on number 9552300009 for citizens to report emergencies like waterlogging and uprooted trees. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu thanked Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for sending relief teams, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Mr. Naidu to enquire about the damage and relief measures.

Context

Coastal regions in India frequently experience severe cyclonic storms during the northeast monsoon season, requiring coordinated disaster response and inter-state support. State administrations rely on real-time communication tools and central assistance to manage evacuations and speed up post-storm recovery.