Cyclone Murasu weakens over Telangana after devastating Andhra Pradesh landfall

Cyclone Murasu weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over eastern Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, after making landfall along India’s eastern coast the previous morning. The severe cyclonic storm brought destructive winds, torrential rainfall and widespread disruption to transport and electricity infrastructure, with at least two deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh. Although the India Meteorological Department confirmed that the weather system had lost much of its intensity, authorities continued warning that heavy rainfall and localised flooding could affect several states.

The storm crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole between approximately 3.30 am and 5.30 am on 3 November, with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. Thousands of people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal locations ahead of landfall, while schools were closed and transport services disrupted in several affected districts. The subsequent weakening of the cyclone reduced the immediate threat from destructive winds but did not eliminate the danger from waterlogging, damaged roads and overflowing drainage systems.

By 11.30 am on 4 November, the remnant depression had weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over eastern Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh, according to the meteorological department. The system was expected to weaken further while continuing its northward movement. However, heavy to very heavy rainfall remained a concern across parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with additional rainfall warnings affecting southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Where did Cyclone Murasu make landfall, and how strong was the storm?

Cyclone Murasu developed over the Bay of Bengal before strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm as it approached India’s southeastern coastline. The India Meteorological Department monitored its movement towards Andhra Pradesh and issued successive warnings as the storm intensified and its projected landfall area became clearer. By the time it reached the coast near Ongole on 3 November, the system had developed winds capable of uprooting trees, damaging temporary structures and disrupting electricity distribution.

The strongest effects were concentrated along parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh, although the associated rainfall extended considerably farther inland. The storm’s circulation transported large amounts of moisture across the region, producing rainfall that continued after the centre moved away from the coastline. This distinction is important because the geographical extent of flooding can exceed the comparatively narrow coastal area experiencing the highest wind speeds.

Murasu weakened into a cyclonic storm during the afternoon of 3 November and subsequently into a deep depression as it progressed inland. By the following morning, its intensity had declined further, and meteorologists expected the system to transition into a lower-pressure weather disturbance. Such weakening is typical after landfall because tropical cyclones lose access to the warm ocean water that supplies much of their energy, although their remaining moisture can still produce substantial rainfall.

How many people died, and what damage has Cyclone Murasu caused?

At least two deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh as authorities assessed the storm’s impact. Emergency personnel were deployed to remove fallen trees, restore access along damaged roads and assist residents in affected areas. The reported death toll remained preliminary, making it necessary to distinguish confirmed fatalities from broader assessments of damage that may evolve as district authorities complete their surveys.

Agricultural losses have emerged as a significant concern because heavy rainfall and strong winds affected cultivated land across parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. Standing crops can suffer damage from prolonged submersion, waterlogging and physical destruction, while the loss of electricity and access roads can complicate harvesting and transportation. The eventual financial impact will depend on the area of farmland damaged, the crops involved and the ability of farmers to recover production after floodwaters recede.

Infrastructure damage also has consequences beyond the immediate storm period. Uprooted electricity poles and damaged distribution lines can interrupt power supplies to homes, water-pumping facilities and small businesses, while road obstructions can delay emergency assistance and deliveries. Restoration may proceed relatively quickly in accessible urban areas but take longer in rural locations affected by flooding or extensive damage.

Transport operators have faced disruption from precautionary restrictions, cancellations and the need to inspect infrastructure following the storm. Railway and aviation operations are particularly sensitive to severe weather because strong winds, poor visibility and flooding can create operational safety risks. Services can resume as conditions improve, but the return of normal weather does not automatically mean that every affected route or facility is immediately available.

Which states face continued heavy rainfall after Cyclone Murasu weakened?

The India Meteorological Department warned that the remnants of Murasu could continue producing significant rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on 4 November. Isolated heavy rainfall was also expected in southern Odisha and southern Chhattisgarh, demonstrating the potential for a weakening cyclone to influence weather conditions well beyond its original landfall location. District-level risks depend on the precise distribution of rainfall, local drainage conditions and existing water levels.

Parts of Telangana experienced intense rainfall as the system moved inland, increasing concern over low-lying settlements, agricultural fields and road connections. Heavy rain can produce rapid localised flooding even where major rivers remain within their banks, particularly in urban areas with insufficient drainage capacity. Residents in vulnerable locations were therefore advised to continue following official weather warnings despite the storm’s declining wind intensity.

Emergency agencies must also monitor the possibility of secondary hazards, including damaged power infrastructure, unstable trees and contaminated floodwater. Flooding can interrupt drinking-water supplies and increase the risk of waterborne illness where sanitation systems are overwhelmed. Such threats may become more important during the recovery period, when residents begin returning to properties and businesses resume operations.

The weather department’s final assessments will establish the total rainfall associated with the system and identify districts experiencing the most extreme conditions. Those findings will help authorities prioritise recovery assistance, infrastructure repairs and agricultural damage surveys. Until local conditions stabilise, the cyclone’s weakening should not be interpreted as the complete end of weather-related danger.

Why is Andhra Pradesh facing repeated cyclones from the Bay of Bengal?

Murasu was the second cyclone to affect the region within approximately one week, following Cyclone Arnab in late October. The close succession of storms increased pressure on emergency services and communities already dealing with damaged infrastructure and waterlogged agricultural land. Repeated severe weather can be particularly disruptive because the recovery period between events may be too short for households and local authorities to complete repairs.

The Bay of Bengal is highly susceptible to tropical cyclone formation because warm sea-surface temperatures and favourable atmospheric conditions can support the development of powerful storms. India’s eastern coastline contains densely populated settlements, industrial facilities, ports and agricultural districts that are exposed to cyclonic winds, storm surges and intense rainfall. The severity of an individual event depends on its strength, landfall location, forward speed and the vulnerability of the areas affected.

Preparedness measures can substantially reduce the loss of life even when infrastructure and livelihoods suffer significant damage. Timely weather forecasts, evacuation orders, emergency shelters and coordinated response teams allow authorities to move people away from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. However, the effectiveness of these arrangements depends on public compliance, accessible shelters, reliable communications and the availability of transport for people requiring assistance.

The repeated storms also strengthen the case for climate-resilient infrastructure and improved coastal planning. Electricity networks, roads, drainage systems and public buildings designed to withstand extreme weather can help reduce disruption and recovery costs. Agricultural adaptation is equally important because repeated flooding can undermine rural household incomes and create long-term financial vulnerabilities.

What should residents know as Cyclone Murasu’s remnants move inland?

The most important change on 4 November was the cyclone’s transition into a substantially weaker weather system, reducing the threat of destructive cyclonic winds. However, warnings for heavy rainfall remained relevant across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Residents in affected districts needed to follow local official advice concerning travel, flooded roads, damaged electrical infrastructure and emergency assistance.

The full economic and human impact will become clearer as rescue operations conclude and authorities complete damage assessments. Agricultural losses, electricity restoration and the reopening of transport routes are likely to remain important recovery priorities after the immediate weather emergency ends. The storm demonstrates how the consequences of a tropical cyclone can continue long after its meteorological classification has changed.

What are the key developments in the Cyclone Murasu aftermath?

Cyclone Murasu made landfall near Ongole on 3 November with winds gusting to 120 kmph before weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area on 4 November. At least two fatalities were reported in Andhra Pradesh, while continued rainfall created additional risks across neighbouring states. The immediate priorities are ensuring public safety, restoring infrastructure and assessing damage to agriculture and property.

The episode also illustrates the growing importance of coordinated disaster preparedness across India’s eastern coastal states. Accurate forecasting and timely evacuations can reduce fatalities, but resilient infrastructure and effective recovery systems remain necessary to limit economic disruption. With communities recovering from successive storms, the speed and effectiveness of restoration efforts will determine how quickly normal activity can resume.