Hyderabad, Nov. 3: Cyclone Murasu caused widespread damage across coastal Andhra Pradesh after crossing the coast near Kothapatnam early Tuesday.
The severe cyclonic storm uprooted thousands of trees, damaged electric poles and wrecked fishing boats. Several thatched houses also collapsed amid heavy rain and strong winds.
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However, Energy Department officials informed Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that power supply remained uninterrupted. They reported no fallen electricity poles or power disruptions during a review meeting.
#CycloneMurasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM on Tuesday, November 3, unleashing destructive winds of 120–155 kmph along the #Ongole, Chirala, and Bapatla coastal belts.
#AndhraPradesh #CycloneAlert #Bapatla #Vijayawada #IndToday https://t.co/mS8CCiWwAO
— indtoday (@ind2day) November 3, 2026
Cyclone Murasu made landfall near Kothapatnam in Prakasam district, close to Ongole, at around 1 am on November 3. Officials expected the landfall process to conclude by 6.30 am.
At 3.30 am, the Chief Minister reviewed the situation with district Collectors and other officials. He directed them to prevent people from venturing onto roads in affected areas.
He also instructed officials to take precautions to prevent loss of life and minimise property damage. Naidu enquired about the condition of electricity poles and substations.
Cyclone Murasu: Heavy Rain Forecast Across Several Districts
According to updates received at 5.30 am, the landfall process was expected to conclude within another two hours. The cyclone had moved at around 9 kmph over the preceding six hours.
Heavy rainfall was forecast in West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur and Bapatla districts. Palnadu, Markapuram, Prakasam and Nellore districts were also expected to receive heavy rain.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the State Disaster Management Authority and CEO of RTGS, urged residents to remain highly alert.
In Ongole, residents were stranded in Samatha Nagar after heavy rain and strong winds caused several thatched houses to collapse. The district administration launched rescue operations to evacuate them.
Meanwhile, a large tree fell on the statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu. The statue, located on the Prakasam District Collectorate premises in Ongole, collapsed early Tuesday.
WhatsApp Helpline for Cyclone Emergencies
Residents in affected areas can report emergencies and civic disruptions through WhatsApp. The administration has provided the dedicated number 9552300009.
People can report power outages, uprooted trees, collapsed walls, waterlogging and other emergency situations.
Officials have outlined the following steps:
- Send “Hi” to WhatsApp number 9552300009.
- Select the “Services” option from the menu.
- Choose “Murasu Cyclone Issues”.
- Click “Report Issue” and confirm the complaint.
The facility aims to connect residents directly with the administration.
It is intended to support quicker field response and coordination during cyclone-related emergencies.
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