Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, 1 November conducted a high-level review of the anticipated impact of Cyclone Murasu, which is likely to make landfall along the state's coast between midnight of 2 November and early morning of 3 November. In view of the imminent threat, Naidu cancelled his scheduled Delhi visit for Monday to remain on the ground and oversee preparedness.

Storm Track and Intensity Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a cyclone alert for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts after a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm. According to the IMD, Murasu is expected to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by 2 November morning. It is projected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast — between Nellore and Narsapur — packing sustained wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.

Rainfall Projections and Most Vulnerable Districts

Moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated spells of very heavy downpours, is expected across southern and central coastal districts on 2 November. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across multiple locations on 3 and 4 November. Officials briefed the Chief Minister that out of the 20 mandals where extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated, 9 are in Eluru district, 5 in Krishna, 5 in NTR, and 1 in Bapatla.

Average district-wise rainfall on 3 November is projected at approximately 179 mm in Eluru, 163 mm in Krishna, 161 mm in NTR, 147 mm in West Godavari, 119 mm in Guntur, and 104 mm in Bapatla. An inflow of roughly 32,500 cusecs is expected at Budameru on 3 November, with significant flooding also possible in Errakalva, Gonelavagu, Jalleru, and Pampa water bodies.

Infrastructure at Risk

Preliminary estimates indicate that strong winds could damage between 12,102 and 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts. Officials reviewed the status of water reservoirs and rain-related precautionary measures in all likely-impact zones. This threat arrives just days after Cyclone Arnab struck on 28 October, with officials briefing the Chief Minister on ongoing relief operations from that event. Officials assured that power restoration in areas hit by Arnab would be completed by Sunday night.

Government Response

Chief Minister Naidu chaired the review meeting with senior officials, examining rainfall and wind forecasts alongside reservoir water levels. His decision to cancel the Delhi trip signals the administration's intent to maintain direct oversight as the storm approaches. This is the second cyclone to threaten Andhra Pradesh within a week, raising concerns about the state's capacity to manage back-to-back disaster events and accelerate recovery operations simultaneously.

Authorities are expected to ramp up evacuation and relief pre-positioning in coastal districts over the next 24 hours as the storm draws closer to the shoreline.