Cyclone Murasu Threatens Andhra Coast, Heavy Rain Forecast Across Telangana

Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu, which is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapuram, south of Ongole, during the early hours of November 3. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of winds reaching 120 kmph, a possible storm surge and extremely heavy rainfall, the state government has mobilised multiple departments, opened cyclone shelters and intensified evacuation arrangements. The storm's effects are also being felt across Telangana, where several districts face heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

According to the IMD's November 2 bulletin, Murasu was centred at 14.3°N and 80.9°E, around 100 km east of Nellore, moving northwestwards. An RTGS–APSDMA update placed it 100 km from Nellore, 120 km from Kavali and 160 km from Ongole. Landfall was forecast between 11.30 PM on November 2 and 4 AM on November 3, with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph. Radars at Chennai, Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam were monitoring its movement.

The IMD warned of a 1–1.5 metre storm surge above astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying coastal areas, particularly in Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts. Fishing operations were suspended in the affected sea areas. An ECMWF rainfall model projected around 227 mm of precipitation in parts of the Guntur–Vijayawada belt between November 2 and 5, with other coastal districts also facing substantial rainfall.

In Telangana, the IMD forecast extremely heavy rainfall today, with red alerts reported for Nalgonda and Nagarkurnool. Suryapet, Mahabubnagar and Wanaparthy were also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Other districts facing significant rainfall risk included Khammam, Rangareddy, Narayanpet, Jogulamba Gadwal, Wanaparthy and parts of southern Telangana. The IMD also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and squally conditions. Independent weather updates reported scattered intense thunderstorms across districts including Sangareddy, Vikarabad, Medak, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, Mancherial, Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem on November 2. Hyderabad had experienced spells of rain, although a temporary break was expected in the immediate forecast.

According to APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain, around 2,000 people had been evacuated, with preparations to shift another 30,000 vulnerable residents. Three NDRF teams comprising 90 personnel were deployed across Nellore, Prakasam and Markapuram.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparedness and sought assistance from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Tamil Nadu deployed 500 electricity personnel in 25 teams. Electricity Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar set a 48-hour power restoration target, while the 1912 helpline remained operational round the clock.

Transport disruptions included 19 cancelled flights and nine trains. Residents can report emergencies through Mana Mitra WhatsApp at 9552300009 or contact 112, 1070 and 18004250101. Authorities urged people in vulnerable areas to follow official advisories, remain indoors during severe weather and stay away from fallen power lines.