In brief
On Nov. 3, Cyclone Murasu made landfall along India’s southern coast, bringing winds of up to 120 km/h and significant rainfall to Andhra Prachad. Unlike the earlier Cyclone Arnab, which claimed more than ten lives, Murasu left no casualties. The storm uprooted trees, caused power complaints but left the power supply largely intact, and disrupted air traffic in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Cyclone Murasu touched down on India’s southern coast in the early hours of Tuesday, Nov. 3, with wind speeds reaching 120 km/h, according to a local disaster‑management official cited by Xinhua. The storm followed Cyclone Arnab, the first cyclone of the week, which had killed more than ten people and caused extensive flight cancellations. Murasu’s arrival spared Bangalore and its residents from loss of life, though it produced heavy rain and gusty winds across several Andhra Prachad districts.
Both Xinhua and a Business Recorder report that trees were uprooted during the storm, and that the power supply remained normally functioning in the areas most affected. The local media noted that unaffected lines helped keep the grid and that the weather had not shifted the power station’s output. The Business Recorder site also highlighted that electric poles were knocked down, posing risks to commuters and causing one or more minor injuries.
The International Metrology Department (IMD) bulletin – mentioned briefly by The Hindu – described Murasu as a “severe cyclonic storm” moving at an unspecified speed that threatened coastal towns. While the bulletin did not publish casualty statistics, the statement echoed the steeper winds reported by the Xinhua source.
Flight operations were significantly disrupted. Over 20 flights, including several international routes, were either cancelled or diverted from airports in Andhra Prachad and the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, according to the Xinhua dispatch. Airlines directors and local transport authorities issued advisories urging people to remain indoors, a directive followed by thousands of residents. The Business Recorder source cross‑checked these changes, noting that the airline cancellations were “due to rough weather” brought about by the cyclone.
Impact on Infrastructure
Despite the strong winds, the industrial and rural infrastructure suffered only moderate damage. Tree root systems left some roads impassable, while temporary debris obstructed low‑lying residential streets. No major bridges or roads were reported as damaged beyond root uprooting, a fact supported by both Xinhua and Business Recorder accounts. Authorities have issued brief advisories for temporary relocation of affected households until repairs can be carried out.
Regional Response and Preparedness
Officials in Andhra Prachad activated emergency response protocols that had been revised after the previous week’s cyclone. Survivors were directed to shelters, and local police managed traffic on narrow roads clogged with fallen vegetation. The government spokesperson mentioned that “there is no pressure on the overall emergency services” as the main concerns remained storm‑related. Meanwhile, airport closures were managed by the aviation ministry, which confirmed no emergencies or casualties as of the latest official statement.
Both Xinhua and Business Recorder referenced the prior Cyclone Arnab, noting that it claimed more than ten lives in Andhra Prachad and Odisha. Business Recorder counted the fatalities at six, while Xinhua reported a figure that surpassed ten. The discrepancy reflects the lack of a single reliable source for the earlier event, though both agree on the overall tragedy caused by Arnab.
Unknown factors that remain unaddressed by the investigators include the exact number of houses affected by displaced trees, the long‑term health impact of the heavy rainfall, and the financial cost of the power‑line repairs. Future reports will likely track the ongoing recovery, including insurance claims and commercial property damage, as the government continues to monitor the sector for secondary effects.
“Power supply was normal in the affected areas,” a local media report said.Source: Xinhua
