India's eastern coastline is facing another major weather emergency as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu moves towards south Andhra Pradesh, prompting heightened preparedness across coastal districts and neighbouring regions.
According to the latest available India Meteorological Department bulletin, the storm is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, during the period from approximately 11:30 PM on November 2 to 4:00 AM on November 3.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is approaching the south Andhra Pradesh coastline and is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur.
Location: Westcentral Bay of Bengal and the south Andhra Pradesh coastline, particularly the Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla and Krishna coastal regions.
Authority/Organisation: India Meteorological Department, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, district administrations and disaster-response agencies.
Action Taken: IMD issued cyclone and coastal inundation warnings, while state authorities strengthened emergency preparedness, evacuation arrangements and control-room operations.
Impact: Wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, gusts up to 120 kmph, possible storm surge of 1.5–2 metres, heavy rainfall and flight disruptions are among the expected impacts.
The cyclone has intensified over the westcentral Bay of Bengal and is moving northwestwards towards the Indian coastline. The IMD has forecast sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph during landfall, with gusts potentially reaching 120 kmph.
The approaching system has prompted warnings for strong winds, widespread rainfall, rough sea conditions and possible coastal inundation.
IMD Warns of Dangerous Storm Surge Along South Andhra Coast
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Murasu presents a serious weather-related challenge for communities along the south Andhra Pradesh coastline. The combination of high wind speeds, heavy rainfall and a potentially significant storm surge creates risks for people living in low-lying coastal settlements. The storm could also affect transport services, electricity infrastructure, fishing activity, road connectivity and essential public services. The warning is particularly important because storm-surge flooding can occur alongside normal tidal fluctuations, increasing the potential for seawater to enter vulnerable settlements. Timely evacuation, access to emergency shelters and adherence to official safety instructions will be critical in reducing risks to life and property.
One of the most significant concerns associated with Murasu is the possibility of coastal inundation during landfall.
In its coastal weather bulletin issued at 2:25 PM on November 2, the IMD warned that a storm surge of approximately 1.5–2 metres above the astronomical tide could affect low-lying areas along the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
The maximum peak surge is expected over Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts.
The IMD also warned that the storm surge could begin exceeding 0.5 metres above the normal astronomical tide from the evening of November 2 and continue until the morning of November 3.
Strong winds and very rough sea conditions are also expected along the affected coastline. Port authorities have maintained high-level warning signals at several locations, including Nizampatnam, Vadarevu, Machilipatnam and Krishnapatnam.
These warnings indicate the seriousness of the coastal conditions expected during the cyclone's approach.
Andhra Pradesh Intensifies Emergency Preparedness
The Andhra Pradesh administration has stepped up emergency preparations as the cyclone approaches.
District authorities have been instructed to maintain vigilance and ensure that disaster-response arrangements remain operational. Emergency control rooms have been established to coordinate assistance and respond to reports of power disruptions and other weather-related emergencies.
Rescue and relief arrangements involving disaster-response personnel have also been strengthened in vulnerable areas.
According to a statement attributed to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority's managing director, approximately 2,000 people had been evacuated by the time of the initial November 2 briefing, while the authorities were planning further evacuations.
The scale of evacuation and deployment may change as the cyclone approaches, depending on local conditions and official directions.
Residents in coastal and low-lying locations have been urged to follow instructions issued by district administrations and disaster-management authorities.
Flight Operations Disrupted as Cyclone Approaches
The impact of Murasu is already being felt beyond the immediate coastal warning zone.
At least 19 domestic flights were reported cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports on November 2 as adverse weather conditions affected aviation operations.
Vijayawada reported 12 cancellations, while four flights were cancelled at Visakhapatnam. Services at Tirupati were also affected.
Airlines and airport authorities have advised passengers to check the latest flight status before travelling, as weather conditions may lead to additional changes.
The disruption highlights how the approaching cyclone is affecting transport connectivity and daily activities even before its expected landfall.
Tamil Nadu Also Experiences Weather Disruptions
Although Murasu is forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast, its outer rain bands have also affected parts of Tamil Nadu.
Chennai and neighbouring districts have experienced heavy rainfall, with the IMD forecasting further heavy to very heavy showers in selected locations.
The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds in parts of northern Tamil Nadu.
The impact of the cyclone is therefore not restricted to the expected landfall area. Rainfall, wind conditions and transport disruptions are also relevant concerns for neighbouring coastal regions.
