Cyclone Murasu Nears Andhra Coast; Red Alert and Evacuations Underway

Amaravati, November 2, 2026: Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting large-scale evacuations, a red alert and emergency preparations across vulnerable coastal districts. The India Meteorological Department has warned that the storm could cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, late tonight or in the early hours of November 3.

Landfall Expected Tonight

The IMD said Murasu is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between 11:30 pm on November 2 and around 4 am on November 3.

The storm is forecast to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm with sustained winds of around 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.

Cyclone Moves Closer to Nellore

At 8:30 am on Monday, Murasu was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore and around 180 km northeast of Chennai.

It was moving west-northwestwards at roughly 22 kmph.

Red Alert Issued for Andhra Coast

The IMD has issued a Red Message for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts as the cyclone intensifies.

Authorities have warned of extremely heavy rainfall, damaging winds and very rough to high sea conditions across affected areas.

Thousands Being Evacuated

Authorities have begun evacuating thousands of people from vulnerable coastal locations ahead of landfall.

Emergency teams have been deployed and relief shelters prepared as officials seek to minimise casualties and damage from the storm.

Heavy Rain Lashes Chennai and Coastal Areas

Heavy rainfall has already been reported in Chennai and other parts of the eastern coast as Murasu approaches.

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up disaster-management preparations, while schools and other institutions in some affected areas have been closed as a precaution.

Fishermen Told to Stay Away From Sea

The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the affected parts of the Bay of Bengal.

Sea conditions are expected to remain very rough to high, with cyclonic gale-force winds near the storm centre.

Second Major Cyclone in About a Week

Murasu is approaching India’s east coast only days after another cyclone affected the region.

The short gap between the two systems has increased concerns about flooding, damage to infrastructure and the ability of coastal communities to recover quickly.

Authorities on High Alert

Disaster-response teams, district administrations and state authorities are monitoring the cyclone closely as it approaches land.

Residents in low-lying and coastal areas have been advised to follow official evacuation instructions and avoid unnecessary travel during the period of strongest winds and rainfall.

Source: India Meteorological Department, Reuters, The New Indian Express

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