Cyclone Murasu Disrupts Andhra Pradesh Coastline, Triggers Port Warning and Mass Evacuations

VISAKHAPATNAM: Cyclone Murasu has moved into the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storm began affecting the coastline around 1 AM on Monday, disrupting normal activities across several coastal areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone made landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh. Coastal areas have experienced wind speeds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, while the system is expected to move across the state’s coastline over the next few hours.

As the storm intensified, Visakhapatnam Port was placed under a high-level Signal 9 storm warning. Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu has affected the Andhra Pradesh coastline, raising concerns over port operations and maritime activity.

Although the main landfall occurred further south near Ongole in Prakasam district, the cyclone’s northern peripheral impact has also affected Visakhapatnam Port. The situation has disrupted regional maritime operations and logistics activity.

In neighbouring Odisha, the state government has moved more than 160,000 people from Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Air travel has also faced disruptions. A total of 19 flights operating from three airports in Andhra Pradesh have been cancelled, while 11 flights from Chennai airport have been postponed due to the cyclone.

Authorities have stepped up disaster-response arrangements to protect people in vulnerable areas. A total of 37 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed across five states, including 13 teams in Andhra Pradesh. Additional security personnel have been positioned in Nellore, Prakasam and Markapuram to support rescue and relief operations.

The storm’s effects have also reached Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, Madhavaram recorded the highest rainfall, receiving 11 centimetres over the past 24 hours. Ennore Port and Nungambakkam each recorded 10 centimetres of rainfall. Waterlogging has affected parts of the city, with two of its 22 subways submerged.

Heavy rain has also been reported in Odisha’s Puri region, accompanied by rough sea conditions and high waves. Rescue teams remain on standby in Rayagada district. More than 300 personnel from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Response Force and Fire Services have been deployed for emergency response.

The name 'Murasu', meaning 'war drum' in Tamil, was given by India. The weather system developed into a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal on November 1 and reportedly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm within 24 hours.

The storm is being described as the second cyclone to develop over the Bay of Bengal within a week. Earlier, Cyclone Arnab, which reportedly formed on October 28, caused damage in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Six people lost their lives, while more than 57,000 people were moved to safer locations.

The IMD has also indicated that the effects of Cyclone Murasu could extend to Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.