Cyclone Murasu: Andhra Pradesh releases ₹37 crore as storm nears Ongole coast
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for a second cyclone in just one week — severe storm Murasu is hours from landfall near Ongole, and a coastline still reeling from Arnab's ₹4,600 crore trail of destruction is now staring down 100–110 kmph winds and a 1.5–2 metre storm surge. The state has moved fast, releasing ₹37 crore across 17 districts, but the back-to-back strikes pose a severe compounding threat to lives and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall near Ongole between Monday midnight and Tuesday early hours , with wind speeds of 100–110 kmph .
The Andhra Pradesh government released ₹37 crore for rescue and relief across 17 districts on 2 November 2026 .
A storm surge of 1.5–2 metres above normal tide levels is forecast for low-lying areas of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled at Vijayawada , Tirupati , and Visakhapatnam airports; several trains also cancelled.
This is the second cyclone to hit the Andhra coast in a week — Arnab struck near Narsapur on 28 October , killing 7 and causing estimated damage of ₹4,600 crore .
GD-10 danger signals hoisted at Nizampatnam Port and Vadarevu Harbour ; fishermen advised to stay ashore.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is closing in on the Andhra Pradesh coast with wind speeds of 100–110 km per hour, prompting the state government on Monday, 2 November 2026 to release ₹37 crore for rescue and relief operations across 17 districts. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Ongole between Monday midnight and the early hours of Tuesday.
Fund Allocation Across Districts
The Revenue (Disaster Management) Department issued formal orders distributing the relief funds as follows: ₹3 crore each to six districts, ₹2 crore each to eight districts, and ₹1 crore each to three districts. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) had submitted a proposal permitting Collectors and District Magistrates to utilise funds under Rule TR27 for emergent expenditure — covering evacuation, food, temporary shelters, medicines, fuel, transportation, and restoration of essential services. The Revenue Department accepted and operationalised the proposal.
Where the Cyclone Stands Right Now
As of Monday night, APSDMA placed the cyclone's centre at approximately 80 km from Nellore, 80 km from Kavali, 110 km from Ongole, and 170 km from Machilipatnam. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu districts, with similar intensity expected in isolated areas of Prakasam, Markapuram, and Nellore.
Storm Surge, Danger Signals and Port Warnings
The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has warned of a storm surge of 1.5–2 metres above astronomical tide levels, likely to inundate low-lying stretches of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Authorities have hoisted the highest danger level — Great Danger Signal 10 (GD-10) — at Nizampatnam Port and Vadarevu Harbour. Danger Signal 9 has been raised at Machilipatnam, and Danger Signal 8 at Krishnapatnam Port. Fishermen have been advised to stay off the sea.
Flights, Trains Cancelled; Public Urged to Stay Indoors
At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled at Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports on Monday — 12 at Vijayawada, 4 at Visakhapatnam (Bhogapuram), and 3 at Tirupati. Several trains were also cancelled. APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain urged residents to stay safely indoors, remain on high alert, and exercise caution near power lines that may have snapped in the strong winds.
Second Cyclone in a Week; Arnab Left ₹4,600 Crore in Damage
Murasu's landfall would make it the second cyclone from the Bay of Bengal to strike the Andhra Pradesh coast within a single week. Very severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab' crossed the coast near Narsapur in the early hours of 28 October with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph. Arnab claimed seven lives, devastated crops across thousands of acres, uprooted hundreds of electricity poles and trees, and — according to preliminary estimates — caused losses of ₹4,600 crore. A second consecutive cyclone strike on a coastline still recovering from that damage significantly amplifies the risk to infrastructure and livelihoods.
With landfall imminent, the scale of disruption and the adequacy of the state's emergency response will become clearer in the hours ahead.
Point of View
Already battered by Arnab's ₹4,600 crore in damage, has had barely five days to recover before Murasu closes in. The ₹37 crore released today is an emergency measure, but the deeper question is whether the state's disaster-response architecture — built around single-event shocks — can handle compounding, back-to-back strikes with shortened windows for evacuation, re-stocking, and logistics reset. The Bay of Bengal's intensifying cyclone frequency in the post-monsoon season demands a fundamental rethink of pre-positioning strategy for high-risk coastal districts.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Cyclone Murasu expected to make landfall?
Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh between Monday midnight and the early hours of Tuesday, 3 November 2026. As of Monday night, the storm's centre was approximately 110 km from Ongole.
How much money has Andhra Pradesh released for cyclone relief?
The Andhra Pradesh government released ₹37 crore on 2 November 2026 for rescue and relief operations across 17 districts. Funds were allocated as ₹3 crore each for six districts, ₹2 crore each for eight districts, and ₹1 crore each for three districts.
What is the storm surge risk from Cyclone Murasu?
The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has warned of a storm surge of 1.5–2 metres above normal astronomical tide levels, which is likely to inundate low-lying areas along South Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Great Danger Signal 10 has been hoisted at Nizampatnam Port and Vadarevu Harbour.
Is this the first cyclone to hit Andhra Pradesh recently?
No — Cyclone Murasu would be the second cyclone to strike Andhra Pradesh within a single week. Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab crossed the coast near Narsapur on 28 October 2026, with wind speeds of 125–135 kmph, killing seven people and causing an estimated ₹4,600 crore in damage.
What precautions have authorities advised ahead of Cyclone Murasu?
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain has urged residents to stay indoors, maintain high alertness, and avoid downed power lines. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea. At least 19 domestic flights across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports were cancelled, along with several trains.
