Cyclone Murasu hits Andhra Pradesh coast with heavy rain and winds
The severe cyclonic storm made landfall near Ongole on Tuesday, prompting red warnings in several districts.
The eye of severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast at 5.30 am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, according to The Hindu. The landfall process began near Ongole in Prakasam district, bringing heavy rainfall and gale-force winds reaching 110 kmph with gusts up to 120 kmph, as reported by Mint.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the landfall point was expected to be between Nellore and Narsapur. The weather system was located near several areas, including 40 km southwest of Bapatla and 100 km south to southwest of Vijayawada.
Heavy rains and strong winds caused several thatched houses to collapse at Samatha Nagar in Ongole, leaving residents stranded. In the Prakasam district Collectorate, a statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu collapsed after a large tree fell on it. The district administration has started rescue operations to evacuate stranded people.
Andhra Pradesh IMD Director K Nagaratna issued red warnings for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, NTR, and Prakasam districts. A storm surge of 1-1.5 metres is expected to inundate low-lying areas in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with peak surges likely over Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to prevent loss of life and focus on power, water, and road connectivity. The state's Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) has launched a grievance mechanism via the 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp platform for citizens to report emergencies.