Cyclone Murasu makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh causing widespread destruction

Severe cyclonic storm Murasu made landfall in Andhra Pradesh early on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction across the coastal region. The storm, which was centered over the west-central Bay of Bengal, brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the east coast of India.

Impact on Infrastructure and Livelihoods

The cyclone caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in coastal towns. Reports indicate that thousands of trees were uprooted and hundreds of electric poles were damaged. In Ongole, located in the Prakasam district, a statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu fell after a nearby tree was uprooted by strong winds. Additionally, several thatched houses collapsed in Ongole due to the heavy rain and strong winds.

Fishing communities have been significantly impacted. Many fishing boats were wrecked or destroyed by the storm. Mangamma, a local resident, stated, "I had lost my house in an earlier cyclone, and my family was also shattered. This time, the government evacuated us before the cyclone made the landfall. However, one of my three boats has been completely destroyed. Fishing is our livelihood."

Agricultural areas also suffered, with reports of extensive damage to standing crops in districts such as Bapatla and Prakasam. Inundation and flooding were reported in many places following intense downpours.

Weather Conditions and Landfall Details

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, near Ongole, between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday. The IMD reported wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.

Weather forecasts and disruptions include:

• Rainfall: The IMD forecast light to moderate rainfall at most places across coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy to very heavy showers at a few locations and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.
• Travel: At least 19 flights scheduled to operate from Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports were cancelled on Monday. Several train services were also cancelled, and motorists faced difficulties on national highways due to poor visibility and heavy rain.
• School Closures: Schools and colleges have been closed in at least eight districts of Andhra Pradesh as a precautionary measure.

Government Response and Forecast

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and asked officials about the condition of power stations and electricity poles. The state government has allocated Rs 37 crore for the affected districts.

Local residents noted the effectiveness of evacuation efforts. Krishnamma, a fisherman from Kothapatnam in Prakasam district, said, "This is the most dangerous cyclone we have witnessed in the last 14 years. The government has been very helpful and evacuated around 400 families from our village. NDRF teams also helped us shift to safer places."

As of Tuesday, the IMD expects the cyclone to gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon and further into a deep depression by Tuesday midnight.

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Sources

• dw.com: India news: Cyclone Murasu wreaks havoc after landfall
• rediff.com: Boats destroyed, trees uprooted: Cyclone Murasu wreaks havoc in Andhra - Rediff.com India News
• chennaionline.com: Cyclone Murasu LIVE Updates: Cyclone Causes Destruction in Coastal Andhra Pradesh – Chennaionline
• m.dailyhunt.in: Cyclone Murasu Wreaks Havoc in Andhra Pradesh: 120 Kmph Winds Uproot Trees, Destroy Boats (VIDEO) | Dailyhunt
• timesnownews.com: Visuals Show Impact As Cyclone Murasu Wreaks Havoc, 'Most Dangerous Cyclone Witnessed In Last 14 Years' | Times Now
• nktv.in: Cyclone ‘Murasu’ wreaks havoc in Andhra Pradesh! Makes landfall with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph; heavy rain and uprooted trees reported along the coast - NKTV

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.