In brief
On the early hours of 3 November, cyclone Murasu struck India’s southern coast, particularly Andhra Pradesh, with winds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rains. Authorities confirmed no fatalities, despite uprooted trees and power interruptions. The cyclone followed last week’s Arnab, which claimed more than ten lives and disrupted travel.
In the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, 2026, cyclone Murasu struck India’s southern coast, delivering winds reaching 120 km/h and heavy rainfall. Andhra Pradesh was the most heavily affected state, with several districts reporting gusty winds and widespread uprooting of trees, according to a local disaster‑management official.
Although the storm produced significant wind and rain, local officials report that no human casualties have been recorded. Power supply remained normal in the affected areas, and residents were advised to stay indoors.
The cyclone triggered the cancellation or diversion of more than 20 flights, including a number of international services, from airports in Andhra Pradesh and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Rough weather conditions forced airlines to pull in or reroute flights to ensure passenger safety.
Impact on air travel
Airlines flagged the cyclone’s impacts early, leading to the prompt cancellation of scheduled services. Both domestic and international carriers shifted their operations, with several flights delayed or grounded at major hubs such as Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
Emergency services maintained readiness through the night, with shelters prepared for potential flooding. Yet, as the storm settled, officials noted that the riverbanks and lower‑lying locales had endured only minor water accumulation, limiting displacement concerns.
Previously, the region endured cyclone Arnab a week earlier. Arnab caused the loss of more than ten lives across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and induced widespread flight cancellations. The twin cyclones exposed a heightened vulnerability in the coastal belt during the monsoon season.
Disaster management authorities underscored that early warnings and coordinated evacuation plans likely prevented larger loss of life this time. The sustained wind speeds, while forceful, were reported to have stayed below the threshold that typically triggers mass evacuations.
Environmental monitoring stations recorded a spike in rainfall intensity, reaching levels that matched the historical average for the region during similar seasonal events. Weather services anticipate another swell on the wind belt as the monsoon progresses.
Governments across the affected states continue to review the cyclone’s full impact footprint, with detailed reports expected by the end of the week. Early assessments suggest that damages will be concentrated along the coastal fringe, where construction and infrastructure remain exposed.
The occurrence of back‑to‑back cyclones underscores the need for robust climate resilience planning in India’s vulnerable coastal communities, highlighting gaps in both infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
