Severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the south coast of Andhra Pradesh early Tuesday, November 3, prompting state authorities to intensify emergency monitoring and activate public assistance arrangements across vulnerable districts. The Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) are coordinating surveillance efforts as the storm moves inland and gradually loses intensity. Despite the weakening system, officials have warned residents against lowering their guard as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall continues to threaten several parts of the state.

The state administration has urged people in affected areas to remain alert and report emergencies through the Mana Mithra helpline. Residents can contact the service at 9552300009 to report weather-related problems and seek assistance. The facility is available around the clock, providing authorities with a direct channel to receive information from communities facing disruptions caused by the cyclone.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday. The storm brought sustained wind speeds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour. Its passage raised concerns about damage to infrastructure, agricultural land, electricity networks and coastal communities.

At 5:30 am, the weather system was centred over south coastal Andhra Pradesh near Ongole. It was approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Bapatla, 80 kilometres north northeast of Kavali and 120 kilometres from Machilipatnam. The IMD reported that the system was moving north northwestwards and was expected to weaken progressively as it travelled further inland.

The weather department forecast that Murasu would weaken into a cyclonic storm by Tuesday afternoon, with wind speeds declining to 80 to 90 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 100 kilometres per hour. By midnight, the system was expected to weaken further into a deep depression, bringing wind speeds down to 55 to 65 kilometres per hour, with occasional gusts of up to 75 kilometres per hour.

However, a reduction in wind intensity does not necessarily mean an immediate end to the danger. Heavy rainfall, localised flooding and waterlogging can continue even after a cyclone weakens. Low lying areas, roads, agricultural fields and settlements near drainage channels remain particularly vulnerable during prolonged periods of intense rainfall.

The IMD is using Doppler Weather Radars located at Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam to track the cyclone's movement and monitor changes in its intensity. These radar systems provide meteorologists with information about the storm's position, rainfall patterns and wind circulation. The RTGS Centre and APSDMA are using ongoing weather assessments to coordinate administrative monitoring and communicate developments to the public.

Several districts remain under significant rainfall alerts. The IMD has forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy downpours, across Bapatla, Guntur, Krishna, Palnadu, NTR, Eluru and West Godavari districts on Tuesday. East Godavari, Polavaram, Kakinada, Konaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram are also expected to receive widespread moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy showers.

Rainfall figures recorded across the region indicate the intensity of the weather system. APSDMA data showed that Naguluppalapadu in Prakasam district received 198.01 millimetres of rainfall between 8:30 am on Monday and 6 am on Tuesday. Kothapatnam recorded 182.25 millimetres, while Bapatla received 128.53 millimetres during the same period.

Chirala recorded 124.10 millimetres, followed by Throvagunta in Prakasam district with 116.93 millimetres. Ongole Urban received 106.97 millimetres, while Chilakapadu recorded 104.50 millimetres. These figures highlight the scale of rainfall affecting communities across the southern coastal belt.

Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the State Disaster Management Authority and Chief Executive Officer of RTGS, has appealed to residents to maintain heightened vigilance. He encouraged people to report emergencies and cyclone-related difficulties through the Mana Mithra service at 9552300009.

The administration's response now centres on continuous weather surveillance, emergency communication and monitoring conditions in affected districts. Residents have been advised to follow official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and stay away from flooded roads and areas exposed to strong winds.

Although Cyclone Murasu is forecast to weaken further, the rainfall threat remains significant. The coming hours will test the effectiveness of local preparedness, emergency communication and disaster response arrangements across Andhra Pradesh. For residents in the affected districts, staying informed and reporting emergencies promptly remain essential as the storm continues its inland movement.