Cyclone Murasu Slams Andhra Coast: Flights Canceled, Heavy Destruction Near Ongole
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu hits Andhra Pradesh near Ongole, causing flight cancellations, house collapses, and heavy rainfall.
The south coast of Andhra Pradesh was battered in the early hours of November 3, 2026, as Cyclone Murasu landfall occurred near Ongole, bringing violent winds and torrential rains that have paralyzed local infrastructure and triggered emergency alerts across multiple districts.
The Timeline of the Strike
The severe cyclonic storm began its landfall process at approximately 1:00 AM. The system continued to tear through the region between Nellore and Narsapur, concluding its landfall phase between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM. During this window, the region experienced devastating wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kilometers per hour, with peak gusts reaching a terrifying 120 kilometers per hour.
Widespread Disruption and Damage
The impact of the storm was felt immediately across transport and urban infrastructure:
- Aviation Chaos: Adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of 19 domestic flights, leaving travelers stranded.
- Structural Collapse: In the Samatha Nagar area of Ongole, the storm's fury led to the collapse of several mud houses.
- Cultural Loss: A fallen tree at the Prakasam Bhavan complex caused the destruction of the statue of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken immediate charge, convening urgent meetings with district collectors to evaluate the damage and placing all government officials on high alert. To ensure a rapid response, the state has deployed NDRF and SDRF teams to several hard-hit districts, including:
- Prakasam, Bapatla, and Guntur
- Nellore, Krishna, and Palnadu
- Eluru, NTR, and West Godavari
Digital Helpdesk for Citizens
In a move to streamline relief efforts, the state government has activated a dedicated grievance redressal system. Through the 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp governance platform, citizens can report emergencies such as waterlogging, power outages, or fallen trees by messaging 9552300009.
IMD Warning: Danger Persists
The threat has not yet passed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a persistent alert for the next 12 hours. Residents along the south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh are warned to prepare for continued heavy rainfall and dangerous high sea surges.