Cyclone Murasu Approaches Andhra Pradesh Coast

Cyclone Murasu is approaching the south Andhra Pradesh coast over the Bay of Bengal. The storm is forecast to cross the coastline between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, from late November 2 to early November 3. It was located 120 km east-southeast of Nellore with a wind speed of 14 kmph. This comes just days after Cyclone Arnab struck the same state.

Rare Back-to-Back Severe Cyclone Events

Cyclone Arnab made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28 with wind speeds of 150 kmph. The formation of two severe cyclones in a single week is a rare meteorological event requiring near-perfect alignment of oceanic and atmospheric conditions. Historical records since 1891 show only a handful of comparable instances.

The Bay of Bengal's semi-enclosed basin allows heat and moisture to concentrate, aiding rapid storm intensification. After Arnab passed, sea surface temperatures remained exceptionally warm, enabling Murasu to form quickly. Deep ocean heat content stayed high, atmospheric moisture levels were raised, and wind shear remained low. Successive low-pressure systems and interactions between multiple cyclonic circulations created a conducive environment for the new storm. Andhra Pradesh's 1,000-kilometre coastline lies along one of the region's most common cyclone tracks, with the post-monsoon period of October-November being the most active season.

Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure

The twin cyclones have inflicted severe damage on agriculture and infrastructure. Preliminary loss estimates for Cyclone Arnab alone were approximately ₹4,526 crore across 12 districts in Andhra Pradesh. That storm damaged nearly 90,000 hectares of standing crops in southern Odisha. Cyclone Murasu has already affected 52,500 hectares of standing crops. Odisha is forecast to receive isolated very heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4, with southern coastal districts like Ganjam and Gajapati under close watch.

The human toll is also mounting. The state reported seven deaths from the two cyclones. Cyclone Arnab claimed six lives in a landslide in Odisha. A search operation was underway for 10 missing people after a rain-triggered landslide in Ganjam and Kandhamal districts on October 28.

Federal Response and Policy Gaps

The federal response has been activated, with personnel from Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu assisting Andhra Pradesh. The Union government is expected to release the first instalment of funds to affected states after an on-the-spot assessment. However, significant policy gaps in disaster management and agricultural support have been highlighted.

Experts note that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, launched a decade ago, has not provided comprehensive safety cover to farmers. The centre is urged to improve the crop insurance scheme to encourage participation and raise awareness, while state governments should support agriculturists by topping up insurance benefits. Also, the National and State Disaster Response Funds were originally meant for response and relief, not recovery and reconstruction. Although the 15th Finance Commission added recovery and reconstruction as a component two years ago, calls persist for the centre to provide additional assistance when public infrastructure suffers extensive damage and to focus on financial aid for permanent restoration projects.

Technology, including the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), is credited with significantly reducing human casualties and property damage during these events. The straight-line distance between the landfall areas of Cyclone Arnab and the approaching Murasu is about 268 km. As the region braces for more impact, the necessity for coordinated action is most important. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the administration "must act in the spirit of 'cooperative federalism'."