Andhra Pradesh: Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu made landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast early Tuesday, November 3, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds and flooding concerns across several coastal districts. Authorities have stepped up rescue and relief operations, evacuating families from vulnerable locations and shifting residents to safer places and relief camps.
According to reports, the cyclone crossed the coast near Kothapatnam, close to Ongole in Prakasam district, around 1 AM. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.
Families Shifted To Safer Locations
Ahead of the cyclone’s landfall, Andhra Pradesh authorities launched evacuation operations in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Around 2,000 people had been evacuated, while the administration had planned to relocate approximately 30,000 residents to safer locations.
Relief camps were prepared across affected districts to accommodate displaced families. The state health department also deployed medical teams, ambulances and emergency healthcare facilities to assist people affected by the storm.
In NTR district, some families were shifted to relief camps as a precaution against possible landslides in the Mogalrajapuram area. District officials urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as heavy to very heavy rainfall continued.
Heavy Rainfall And Strong Winds Disrupt Normal Life
Cyclone Murasu brought intense rainfall and strong winds to parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. Hundreds of trees were uprooted in Nellore, Prakasam and Bapatla districts, while several low-lying areas experienced waterlogging.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the cyclone situation through a teleconference with district collectors and senior officials during the early hours of Tuesday. Authorities were instructed to prioritise public safety and ensure that residents did not venture onto roads until fallen trees and other obstructions were cleared.
Officials were also monitoring electricity infrastructure, roads, irrigation facilities and other essential services to minimise disruption.
Transport And Emergency Services On Alert
The cyclone also affected transportation services, with several flights cancelled and train services disrupted as a precaution. Passengers were advised to check the latest updates with airlines and railway authorities before travelling.
Rescue teams and emergency personnel were placed on standby to respond to flooding, infrastructure damage and other emergencies. Fishermen were warned against venturing into the sea due to rough weather and dangerous coastal conditions.
Odisha And Neighbouring States Also Face Heavy Rain
The impact of Cyclone Murasu extended beyond Andhra Pradesh, with Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Telangana also facing warnings of heavy rainfall.
In Odisha, more than 1.6 lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable districts ahead of the cyclone’s expected impact. Disaster response teams were deployed to support evacuation, rescue and relief operations.
Authorities Urge Residents To Remain Alert
Although Cyclone Murasu has crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast, the threat of heavy rainfall, localised flooding and strong winds remains a concern as the system moves inland and gradually weakens.
Authorities have urged residents in affected districts to follow official weather advisories, stay away from flooded roads and avoid touching fallen electrical wires. Emergency teams are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate relief measures to protect vulnerable communities.
