The Tatva

India’s eastern coastline is facing another severe weather emergency as Cyclone Murasu, the second major cyclonic storm in a week, made landfall near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh early Tuesday, November 3, bringing torrential rainfall, powerful winds and widespread disruption.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone developed over the Bay of Bengal before intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. Red warnings were issued for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining northern Tamil Nadu as authorities rushed to evacuate thousands of residents from vulnerable coastal areas.

Heavy rainfall battered several coastal districts, flooding roads and disrupting traffic, including in Vijayawada. Flight cancellations and transport disruptions were also reported as the storm approached the coast. Disaster response teams were mobilised, while Tamil Nadu dispatched 500 electricity personnel and three National Disaster Response Force teams to assist Andhra Pradesh with rescue, relief and restoration operations.

Authorities also warned of dangerous sea conditions and a possible storm surge of 1–1.5 metres along vulnerable coastal stretches. Residents in affected areas were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from the shoreline and follow official weather advisories as emergency teams continued monitoring the situation.

The cyclone comes just days after another severe storm threatened India’s eastern coast, putting disaster preparedness and the safety of thousands of coastal families back in focus.