Cyclone Murasu Hits Andhra Coast at 1 AM With 120 Kmph Gusts

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu slammed into the South Andhra Pradesh coast at 1 am on Tuesday, November 3, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials confirming the eye is currently touching the shoreline near Ongole. The storm is not slowing down. Gusts are hitting 120 kmph as the forward sector of the wall cloud drives heavy rain into the Nellore and Prakasam districts.

The intensity is forcing immediate operational shutdowns. Chennai airport scrubbed 11 flights, while Andhra Pradesh saw 19 domestic services cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam on Monday. In response to the threat, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dispatched three teams of 30 personnel each from their 4th Battalion in Arakkonam. These 90 rescuers are now on the ground in Nellore, Prakasam, and Markapuram, tasked with clearing debris and executing emergency evacuations before the 1.5-metre storm surge peaks.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with district officials, explicitly citing the life losses from Cyclone Arnab as a benchmark for this operation. He ordered that no resident should venture outdoors until the system crosses the coast. The CM directed Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward staff to ensure warnings reach the grassroots level, while electricity departments were put on standby to restore power to damaged poles.

Odisha is bracing for the storm's tail. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari placed Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri on high alert. Over 300 rescue teams, including ODRAF and Fire Service units, remain positioned in the state. The IMD forecasts thunderstorms and 40–50 kmph winds for these southern districts, with heavy rain expected to persist as the system moves inland.