Cyclone Murasu: Andhra on alert, 19 flights cancelled, 120 kmph winds forecast

Cyclone Murasu is a severe cyclonic storm that intensified over the Bay of Bengal and moved toward Andhra Pradesh. It matters because a storm of this strength can bring dangerous winds, intense rain, flooding and damage to infrastructure. Authorities therefore issued warnings and prepared emergency services before its arrival.

Landfall is the point at which a cyclone crosses the coastline from the sea onto land. Murasu was expected to cross near Ongole between midnight and early morning. The India Meteorological Department gave a wider crossing zone, between Nellore and Narasapur, during the intervening night of November 2 and 3.

Forecast winds were 100–120 kmph during landfall. Officials cancelled 19 domestic flights and placed power-restoration teams on standby. The state also prepared tanks, reservoirs, electricity equipment and emergency personnel to limit harm and restore essential services quickly after the storm crossed.

Cyclone Murasu was approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast on Monday evening. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said it was likely to cross near Ongole between midnight and early morning. This timing made immediate preparations important because strong winds and heavy rain were expected overnight, when travel and emergency response can be more difficult.

At its 6 pm update, the cyclone was about 80 kilometres from Nellore, 90 kilometres from Kavali and 120 kilometres from Ongole. It was also 150 kilometres from Bapatla, 160 kilometres from Tirupati and 190 kilometres from Machilipatnam. The storm was moving at 12 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department gave a broader forecast. It said the severe cyclonic storm would cross between Nellore and Narasapur during the intervening night of November 2 and 3. These forecasts guided evacuations, flight decisions, infrastructure checks and emergency staffing.

Murasu was expected to produce winds of 100–120 kmph while crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast. Rainfall was forecast to be heavy to very heavy at isolated places in several districts. Officials told the Chief Minister that Palnadu could receive around 30 centimetres, Prakasam 24 centimetres and Markapuram 19 centimetres.

Other districts also faced significant rain. Krishna, Guntur, Eluru and Nellore could each receive up to 9 centimetres. The broader warning covered West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Markapuram and Nellore. Such rainfall forecasts explain the focus on tanks, reservoirs, drains and crop protection.

At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled at Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports. The cancellations show how the storm was already disrupting transport before landfall. Officials also prepared electricity poles and restoration workers for possible wind damage.

Winds of 100–120 kmph can make outdoor conditions dangerous and damage roofs, walls, trees and other structures. They can also bring down electricity poles and cut power. Heavy to very heavy rain can flood roads and homes, reduce visibility, delay transport and overwhelm drainage systems. These are risks requiring people to stay indoors and authorities to act early.

The article gives concrete warnings. Officials estimated that around 8,000 electricity poles in South Coastal and Rayalaseema districts could be affected. They also warned about crop inundation caused by silt accumulation in drains. Nineteen domestic flights were cancelled at Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports.

The article reports forecasts and preparations, not confirmed widespread damage from Murasu. Authorities focused on preventing loss of life and property, protecting 6,800 tanks and arranging restoration teams. If infrastructure fails, electricity, transport, homes, farms and communications may remain disrupted after the cyclone passes.

State authorities coordinate warnings, safety measures and local administration before a cyclone. In this case, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered officials to remain fully alert, protect people and property, manage water and monitor 6,800 tanks. The disaster-management authority issued forecasts and urged people to stay safely at home.

Teams also prepared practical support. Officials dispatched 31,000 electricity poles from Srikakulam to Krishna district. Around 1,000 personnel were arriving from Chennai, while Karnataka planned to send 500 skilled powermen and equipment. These resources help replace damaged poles and repair power infrastructure after strong winds.

After the cyclone, authorities must assess damage, clear hazards and restore electricity, roads and other services. Naidu directed officials to finish post-cyclone restoration within 48 hours. He also ordered faster crop-insurance compensation and input subsidies, helping affected farmers recover after possible crop damage.

Water management can reduce some cyclone-related flooding by creating space for incoming rain and keeping drainage routes open. Naidu asked officials to fill tanks and reservoirs in districts with rainfall deficits, while also planning to store rainwater across South Coastal and Rayalaseema basins. Clearing silt from drains can help water flow away instead of inundating crops.

The article identifies the mechanism clearly. Officials were told to use Jaladhara programme works to prevent tank breaches and avoid crop inundation caused by silt accumulation. Water Users Associations and the public were asked to monitor tank conditions. This combines storage with inspection and maintenance before heavy rain arrives.

However, water infrastructure can become dangerous if it fails. A breached tank or overloaded reservoir may release stored water quickly. Blocked drains can back up, while damaged embankments can spread flooding. That is why officials were told to protect 6,800 tanks and monitor their condition during the cyclone.

A tropical disturbance can strengthen when it moves over warm ocean water. Heat causes more evaporation, sending moist air upward. As that air rises and condenses into clouds, it releases heat, which can deepen the low-pressure area below. More air then flows toward the centre, supplying additional moisture and energy.

Earth’s rotation turns this inward-moving air into a broad spiral. Rising air and thunderstorms become organized around the low-pressure centre. If the system remains over warm water and wind conditions allow its structure to stay together, the circulation can intensify into a cyclone. This is the general process behind powerful Bay of Bengal storms.

The article states that Murasu intensified over the Bay of Bengal, but it does not explain its formation in detail. The forecasted result was a severe cyclonic storm approaching Andhra Pradesh, with 100–120 kmph winds, heavy rain and extensive preparations before landfall.