Severe Cyclone Murasu officially made landfall along the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh early Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and violent winds to several districts. The severe weather system crossed the coast at around 5:30 a.m. on November 3, 2026, causing widespread disruption across south coastal regions. Local authorities in Ongole and surrounding districts have launched emergency operations to rescue stranded families and restore essential services. The state government remains on high alert as the cyclone continues to move inland while gradually losing its intensity.

What Happened?

According to the India Meteorological Department and the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, the eye of Cyclone Murasu crossed the coast near Ongole and Bapatla. The storm moved north to northwest at a steady speed of eight kilometers per hour. By Tuesday morning, the storm center was located roughly 30 kilometers northeast of Ongole and 100 kilometers southwest of Vijayawada. Strong gale winds reaching speeds between 90 and 100 kilometers per hour battered towns, uprooting trees and damaging electrical infrastructure across coastal districts.

The impact of Cyclone Murasu was felt acutely in Ongole, located in the Prakasam district. Massive trees fell across major roads, including Dreams School Road, completely blocking transit. In Samatha Nagar, several thatched houses collapsed under the impact of torrential rain and violent gusts, leaving dozens of residents stranded. In another incident, a large uprooted tree crashed onto the historical statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu inside the collectorate compound, causing it to collapse. District administrators swiftly deployed relief teams to assist affected residents and clear debris from major thoroughfares.

Meteorologists indicate that Cyclone Murasu formed over the Bay of Bengal just days after Cyclone Arnab passed through the region. Weather experts predict that the severe cyclonic storm will gradually weaken into a regular cyclonic storm by Tuesday afternoon and further subside into a deep depression by midnight. Despite the expected weakening, rain warnings remain active for several coastal districts, as heavy showers and gusty winds reaching up to 75 kilometers per hour are expected to persist throughout the night.

Key Highlights

Cyclone Murasu made landfall on the coast of Andhra Pradesh at around 5:30 a.m. on November 3, 2026.
The storm generated heavy rains and maximum wind speeds ranging between 90 kmph and 100 kmph in coastal districts.
Ongole city in Prakasam district suffered significant damage, including uprooted trees, blocked roads, and collapsed houses.
A historic statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu collapsed inside the Ongole Collectorate after a tree fell on it.
District emergency services initiated large-scale rescue operations to evacuate stranded citizens in Samatha Nagar.
The Andhra Pradesh government launched a dedicated helpline through its Mana Mitra WhatsApp platform at 9552300009 for reporting emergencies.
Forecasters expect Cyclone Murasu to weaken into a deep depression by Tuesday midnight as it moves northwest.

Why Does This Matter?

Natural disasters like Cyclone Murasu pose severe challenges to local communities, coastal infrastructure, and day-to-day life. For millions of residents living along the Bay of Bengal coastline, consecutive storms like Cyclone Arnab and Cyclone Murasu increase the risk of flash flooding, severe crop destruction, and persistent power outages. Understanding cyclone movements and following official safety guidelines is vital for citizens to safeguard their families and personal property during such extreme weather events.

The swift government response highlights the growing importance of real-time digital communication tools in modern emergency management. By introducing dedicated platforms like the Mana Mitra WhatsApp governance service, authorities enable citizens to quickly report uprooted trees, power line disruptions, and structural collapses. This rapid reporting mechanism helps emergency responders clear roadways faster, restore electricity promptly, and deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable coastal populations affected by the storm.