SECOND POWERFUL CYCLONE BATTERS INDIA IN ONE WEEK AS THOUSANDS EVACUATE AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES FACE WIDESPREAD DAMAGE

ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA — Eastern India is confronting another major weather emergency after Cyclone Murasu struck the Andhra Pradesh coastline on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The powerful tropical system brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal conditions to communities already recovering from a previous cyclone. Murasu made landfall near Ongole, bringing sustained winds estimated at approximately 62 to 68 miles per hour. Strong gusts damaged trees and electrical infrastructure as heavy rain flooded vulnerable areas along the coast. Authorities evacuated thousands of residents while schools, transportation services, and some flight operations were temporarily suspended. The cyclone arrived only days after Cyclone Arnab devastated parts of the same region, creating additional challenges for emergency responders and local communities.

The India Meteorological Department monitored Murasu as it intensified over the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal before approaching the coastline. Officials warned that the system could produce dangerous flooding, strong winds, and a coastal storm surge reaching approximately five feet in vulnerable areas. Heavy rainfall accompanied the cyclone as it moved across southern Andhra Pradesh, increasing concerns for low-lying communities. Emergency authorities implemented precautionary measures designed to reduce exposure to flooding and wind-related dangers. The storm subsequently weakened after making landfall, although rainfall and hazardous weather remained concerns in some areas. By November 4, meteorological bulletins had identified the system as a deep depression over coastal Andhra Pradesh and nearby Telangana.

The arrival of Murasu placed additional pressure on communities already dealing with the consequences of Cyclone Arnab. The earlier storm killed at least five people and damaged homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land across parts of Andhra Pradesh. Reports indicated that approximately 200,000 acres of cropland were flooded during the previous cyclone. These earlier losses left some residents and farming communities particularly vulnerable to additional disruption. Damage from Murasu included fallen trees, damaged electrical poles, and flooding in low-lying locations. Authorities continued evaluating the combined effects of the two storms as recovery operations progressed.

Emergency management officials have emphasized the importance of continued caution as affected communities begin assessing damage and restoring essential services. Residents should avoid damaged electrical infrastructure, unstable trees, and flooded roads until local authorities confirm that conditions are safe. Agricultural communities may face additional challenges if standing water delays access to fields or damages crops. Restoration of transportation, electricity, and other services will remain important priorities for communities affected by the storms. The back-to-back cyclones highlight the serious risks that powerful tropical weather systems can create along India's eastern coastline. SMMC Weather Center will continue following official damage assessments, recovery operations, and any additional cyclone threats developing across the Bay of Bengal.