Cyclone Murasu made landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds of up to 120 kmph. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Severe Cyclonic Storm crossed the coastline between Nellore and Narsapur between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM IST.
The cyclone has caused widespread disruption across coastal districts, with reports of uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure and waterlogging. Although Murasu is expected to weaken after landfall, heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of localised flooding remain concerns across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
Where Did Cyclone Murasu Make Landfall?
Cyclone Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole in Prakasam district.
Landfall was reported to begin around 1 AM. The system then crossed the coastline in the early morning. Reports placed the crossing window between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM IST.
Before landfall, the cyclone was moving north-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD’s November 2 bulletin recorded its position at approximately 14.3°N latitude and 80.9°E longitude at 2:30 PM, around 160 km southeast of Ongole.
The storm approached the coast as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, carrying sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph.
What Is the Latest IMD Warning for Andhra Pradesh?
The IMD issued pre-landfall warnings in National Bulletin No. 18 at 1:15 AM on November 3. Cyclone Murasu subsequently completed landfall between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM IST near Ongole, along the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
Pre-landfall warnings:
- Wind speeds: 100–110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph.
- Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy showers, with extremely heavy rainfall possible at isolated locations.
- Storm surge: 1–1.5 metres above astronomical tide in vulnerable coastal areas.
- Sea conditions: Very rough to high seas, posing risks to fishermen and coastal communities.
Confirmed landfall:
The cyclone crossed the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, during the early hours of November 3.
Post-landfall forecast:
The IMD expects heavy rainfall to continue over south coastal Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds are forecast to decrease as the system weakens into a cyclonic storm by noon and a deep depression by midnight.
Residents should continue following updated IMD and APSDMA advisories as rainfall and flooding risks persist.
Which Areas Are Likely to Be Affected by Cyclone Murasu?
The cyclone’s rainfall and wind activity are expected to affect several districts across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema remain among the key areas under weather warnings. Coastal districts, including Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Guntur and Krishna, face potential disruptions from heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The IMD has also warned of rainfall in parts of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
These weather conditions could disrupt road transportation, electricity supply, agricultural activities and everyday movement, particularly in low-lying and coastal locations.
What Damage Has Cyclone Murasu Caused So Far?
Early reports indicate that the cyclone has already caused damage across parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Thousands of trees were uprooted, hundreds of electric poles were damaged, and fishing boats were wrecked in Nellore, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts. Several low-lying areas experienced inundation following heavy rainfall.
In Vijayawada, continuous showers caused waterlogging on major roads, including Bandar Road and Polyclinic Road, affecting traffic movement.
Authorities have also been monitoring electricity infrastructure and clearing obstructions to minimise disruptions.
The state government has been coordinating with district officials to monitor the situation and ensure that emergency response arrangements remain operational.
How Is the Government Responding to Cyclone Murasu?
Authorities have taken precautionary measures to reduce the cyclone’s impact on vulnerable communities.
Evacuation preparations were initiated ahead of landfall, with approximately 30,000 people expected to be moved to safer locations across Andhra Pradesh.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster management teams have been involved in preparedness and response activities.
The administration has also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from beaches and follow official weather advisories. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into rough sea conditions.
Will Cyclone Murasu Weaken After Landfall?
Yes. The IMD expects Cyclone Murasu to gradually lose intensity after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.
According to the November 3 morning updates, the system was expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon and further into a deep depression by midnight.
However, weakening does not mean the immediate threat is over. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and localised flooding may continue even as the cyclone loses strength.
Residents in vulnerable districts should continue following IMD and Andhra Pradesh disaster management advisories until weather conditions improve.
