Cyclone Murasu Makes Landfall in Andhra Pradesh Near Ongole

Severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kothapatnam in Prakasam district, close to Ongole, during the early hours of Tuesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall across several coastal districts.

The storm made landfall with wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph, uprooting trees and disrupting electricity supplies in parts of the coastal region. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and follow official safety instructions as heavy rainfall and strong winds continue.

Murasu Makes Landfall Near Ongole

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Murasu moved north-northwestwards at a speed of around 8 kmph during the six hours before landfall. It crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, near Ongole, with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph.

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain said the landfall process began around 1 am, while the cyclone’s outer bands had completely crossed the coast by 5:30 am.

The strongest winds affected the coastal belt, particularly Ongole and surrounding areas. Trees were uprooted and electricity supply was disrupted in some locations, while heavy rainfall added to concerns across vulnerable coastal districts.

IMD Forecasts Gradual Weakening of the Cyclone

The IMD said Murasu was expected to continue moving north-northwestwards and gradually lose intensity after crossing the coast.

According to the weather department’s forecast, the system was likely to weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon, with wind speeds of 80–90 kmph and gusts reaching 100 kmph. It was further expected to weaken into a deep depression by midnight, with wind speeds of 55–65 kmph and gusts of up to 75 kmph.

Despite the completion of landfall, officials warned that strong winds and heavy rainfall could continue across affected areas.

Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Coastal Districts

Heavy rainfall was reported in parts of Prakasam, Bapatla, West Godavari and Konaseema districts. Rainfall data available up to 6 am on Tuesday showed particularly high totals in several locations across the affected region.

Naguluppalapadu in Prakasam district recorded the highest rainfall at 198.01 mm, followed by Kothapatnam with 182.25 mm.

The rainfall recorded at other locations included:

• Naguluppalapadu, Prakasam district: 198.01 mm
• Kothapatnam: 182.25 mm
• Bapatla: 128.53 mm
• Chirala: 124.10 mm
• Trovagunta, Prakasam district: 116.93 mm
• Ongole Urban: 106.97 mm
• Chilakapadu: 104.50 mm

SDMA Monitors Situation, Issues Safety Advisory

Prakhar Jain said the State Disaster Management Authority and the Real-Time Governance Society were monitoring the cyclone and coordinating the response.

He urged residents to remain extremely alert and exercise caution, particularly in areas exposed to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Officials advised people living in vulnerable coastal locations to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions issued by authorities. They also stressed that vigilance remains necessary even after landfall, as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist.

Storm Follows Deadly Cyclone Arnab

Murasu struck Andhra Pradesh days after Cyclone Arnab crossed India’s east coast, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The earlier storm left seven people dead in Andhra Pradesh, according to the supplied report.

With Murasu now crossing the coast, authorities are continuing to monitor rainfall and wind conditions across the state’s coastal districts and have urged residents to prioritise safety until the weather system weakens.