Cyclone Murasu Makes Landfall Along Andhra Pradesh Coast

Murasu, a cyclonic system that intensified over the Bay of Bengal, struck the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh in the early hours, bringing sustained winds that battered fishing villages and low‑lying towns. The India Meteorological Department issued warnings for heavy rainfall extending over twelve hours, leading district administrations to activate disaster response teams and open relief shelters for displaced residents. Power outages were reported across several mandals, while coastal highways suffered landslides that hampered relief convoys.

State officials coordinated with the National Disaster Response Force, deploying rescue boats and medical units to the most affected zones. The agricultural sector, particularly paddy fields nearing harvest, faced the risk of crop loss, prompting the Department of Agriculture to announce emergency seed subsidies for affected farmers. Meanwhile, local NGOs mobilised volunteers to distribute food and clean water, highlighting gaps in the existing early‑warning infrastructure.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the cyclone caused damage to infrastructure worth several hundred million rupees, with long‑term economic repercussions for the fishing industry and tourism. Recovery efforts will focus on restoring electricity, repairing road networks, and implementing flood‑mitigation measures such as embankments and improved drainage. The event underscores the growing vulnerability of coastal communities to climate‑related hazards, prompting calls for enhanced resilience planning at the state level.