Cyclone Murasu Hits Andhra Pradesh Coast
Why in News?
- Cyclone Murasu hit the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 November 2026, The Tribune reported on 4 November, and weakened into a low-pressure area by 5 November.
- The Tribune described it as a severe cyclonic storm and the second to hit the state within a week. At least two people died, losses were estimated at ₹344 crore, and 52,459 hectares of crops were affected.
- Down To Earth reported on 5 November that its remnants lay over eastern Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rain alerts for several southern regions and snowfall in the Himalayas from a western disturbance.
Key Terminologies
- Tropical Cyclone
- An intense low-pressure system over warm tropical seas with winds circulating around a calm centre. In the Bay of Bengal, cyclones are most common in the post-monsoon months of October to December.
- Severe Cyclonic Storm
- A category in the India Meteorological Department scale for cyclones with sustained winds of roughly 89 to 117 km/h. The Tribune used this label without attributing it to the department, and did not give the wind speed.
- Low-Pressure Area
- A weather system with lower air pressure than its surroundings. A cyclone often weakens into one after landfall, still bringing rain.
- Northeast Monsoon
- The winter monsoon that brings rain to Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Kerala from October to December.
- Western Disturbance
- A system of low pressure from the Mediterranean region that brings winter rain and snow to north-west India and the Himalayas.
Key Issues
- Second in a Week: The Tribune reported that Murasu was the second cyclone to hit Andhra Pradesh within a week. It did not name the first.
- Human and Crop Loss: At least two people died, losses were estimated at ₹344 crore, and 52,459 hectares of crops were affected, The Tribune reported.
- Evacuation: Some 12,230 people remained in cyclone shelters, showing the scale of preparedness and displacement.
- Remnant Rain: Down To Earth reported that Murasu's remnants lay over eastern Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rain forecast for neighbouring regions.
- Yellow Alerts: Isolated heavy rainfall of 64.5 to 115.5 mm was forecast for coastal Andhra Pradesh, south interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with waterlogging possible in low-lying areas.
Key Implications
Positive/Pros/Merits
- Early Warning: Coastal alerts, shelter use and forecasts allow evacuation, and the reported loss of life was limited to at least two people.
- Better Forecasting: Daily tracking of the remnants by regional weather reports helps authorities warn areas away from the coast.
- Water Recharge: Post-monsoon rain from cyclone remnants can help soil moisture and reservoirs, although heavy rain can also damage crops.
- Learning Value: The event illustrates cyclone formation, landfall, weakening and the role of regional weather systems.
Negative/Cons/Demerits
- Crop Damage: Crop loss over 52,459 hectares hurts farmers, especially in a post-monsoon harvest season.
- Repeated Shocks: Two cyclones in a week strain relief systems and household finances.
- Flood Risk: Heavy rain on already wet ground can cause waterlogging and urban flooding in low-lying areas.
- Data Gaps: Wind speed and landfall location were not given in the report, so a full assessment will need official data.
Key Initiatives
- Andhra Pradesh Government: About 12,230 people remained in cyclone shelters, The Tribune reported on 4 November 2026.
- India Meteorological Department: Its regional forecasts carried yellow alerts for coastal Andhra Pradesh, south interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on 5 November 2026.
- Damage Assessment: Losses were estimated at at least ₹344 crore with 52,459 hectares of crops affected, The Tribune reported on 4 November 2026, as an early figure.
- Himalayan States: Forecasts for Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir warned of rain, snow and strong winds from a western disturbance.
The loss estimate is early and may change as assessments are completed. The Tribune did not report wind speed or the exact landfall point, and did not name the earlier cyclone.
Director's Perspective
Way Forward
- Learn why October to December is the main cyclone season in the Bay of Bengal.
- Revise the India Meteorological Department categories of cyclones by wind speed.
- Draw the link between cyclone remnants, low-pressure areas and the northeast monsoon.
- Know how a western disturbance differs from a tropical cyclone.
- In answers, mention the Andhra Pradesh coast's exposure and the value of early warning and shelters.
Cyclone Murasu shows the exposure of the east coast in the post-monsoon season, and how a storm can weaken into a low-pressure area but still bring rain across states. The reported loss of at least two lives and 52,459 hectares of crops, with 12,230 people sheltered, shows both the damage and the value of preparedness. In a Mains answer, explain cyclone formation over warm Bay of Bengal waters and the role of the northeast monsoon, then conclude that disaster resilience needs early warning, safe shelters and crop protection.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyclone Murasu?
Cyclone Murasu was a storm described by The Tribune as a severe cyclonic storm that hit the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 November 2026. At least two people died and losses were estimated at ₹344 crore, with 52,459 hectares of crops affected.
Where is Cyclone Murasu now?
By 5 November 2026, Down To Earth reported that Cyclone Murasu's remnants had weakened into a low-pressure area over eastern Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh, still bringing rain to neighbouring regions.
What is a western disturbance?
A western disturbance is a system of low pressure from the Mediterranean region that brings winter rain and snow to north-west India. On 5 November 2026, forecasts warned of rain and snow in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir from such a system.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are most common in the post-monsoon months of October to December.
Cyclone Murasu hit Andhra Pradesh in early November 2026.
2 A western disturbance is a tropical cyclone from the Bay of Bengal.
It is a system of low pressure from the Mediterranean region that brings winter rain and snow to north-west India.
3 A cyclone can weaken into a low-pressure area after landfall.
Murasu's remnants lay over eastern Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh.