Cyclone Murasu makes landfall near Ongole with high winds and rain
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu began hitting the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The landfall process of Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu commenced at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, near Ongole, according to The Hindu. The storm has been moving at a speed of 9 kmph, with maximum sustained wind speeds observed between 110 kmph and 120 kmph at the landfall point.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone's eye was entering the coast, with the landfall point situated between Nellore and Narsapur. The IMD also warned of a storm surge of 1.0 to 1.5 metres that could flood low-lying areas in Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused several thatched houses to collapse at Samatha Nagar in Ongole, leaving residents stranded. In the Prakasam district Collectorate, a large tree fell on the statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu, causing it to collapse.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting at 3.30 a.m. with district officials. He instructed authorities to prioritise preventing loss of life and advised citizens in affected areas to stay indoors.
Energy department officials told the Chief Minister that power supply remained stable and no electricity poles had fallen.
Prakhar Jain, SDMA Managing Director and RTGS CEO, urged the public to remain highly alert. The government has launched a grievance mechanism via the ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp platform at 9552300009 to help citizens report emergencies like power outages or waterlogging.