Cyclone Murasu makes landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast with severe impact

Severe cyclonic storm Murasu began its landfall process in the early hours of Wednesday near Ongole in Prakasam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. The forward sector of the cyclone's wall cloud commenced entry into the coastal region around 1 am IST on November 3, with the main wall cloud positioned very close to the shoreline.

The system unleashed intense meteorological conditions across southern Andhra Pradesh, with gale-force winds reaching speeds of 110 kmph and gusting up to 120 kmph. Heavy rainfall accompanied the cyclone's advance, affecting multiple locations throughout the state as the system moved inland.

At 1:30 am, the cyclone's centre was positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal approximately 40 km southeast of Ongole, 60 km northeast of Kavali, and 70 km south of Bapatla. The IMD had forecast the primary landfall point would occur between Nellore and Narsapur, in proximity to Ongole.

The severe cyclonic storm has prompted significant weather disruptions across the coastal region, with authorities monitoring the system's progression inland and its continued impact on populated areas of Andhra Pradesh.