Cyclone Murasu weakens into deep depression, to become low-pressure area in 12 hours; IMD forecasts more rain in Andhra

Severe cyclonic storm Murasu has weakened into a deep depression over coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining east Telangana and has moved northwards on Wednesday, according to the latest update by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

It is likely to weaken further into a well-marked low pressure area during next 12 hours, the IMD said. Rescue and restoration operations underway in the wake of cyclone Murasu, in Andhra Pradesh. (via PTI)As per the weather department, the depression moved northwards at a speed of 10 km/hr during the past six hours.

The system was centred over east Telangana and adjoining Coastal Andhra Pradesh at 5:30 am on Wednesday. The deep-depression is located approximately 30 km northwest of Nandigama in Andhra Pradesh, 30 km south of Khammam in Telangana, 80 km northwest of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, 90 km east of Nalgonda in Telangana and 110 km southwest of Bhadrachalam in Telangana, according to IMD's latest bulletin on X at 9:04 am.

Severe cyclone Murasu left a trail of destruction across Andhra Pradesh claiming two lives and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture. According to officials quoted by PTI news agency, crops spread across more than 52,000 hectares were destroyed, while over 300 houses and several power transmission lines were damaged.

At least two people died in cyclone-related incidents in the state, and 12,230 people continue to remain in cyclone shelters, Managing Director, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), Prakhar Jain told PTI.

The cyclone struck Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Tuesday, marking the second such storm to hit the region in less than a week. Its impact was felt across 15 districts, where floodwater inundated standing crops. The worst affected districts include - Prakasam, Bapatla, Nandyal and Krishna.

Several parts of the state had already experienced heavy to extremely heavy rain before the storm made landfall at around 1 am on Tuesday. Powerful winds uprooted thousands of trees and damaged around 2,750 electricity poles, disrupting power infrastructure across affected areas.

According to IMD’s bulletin, heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh on November 4. Strong surface winds are also very likely at isolated places over the state. Meanwhile, thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on November 4.

On November 5, thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep and south interior Karnataka. Apart from this, strong surface winds will prevail at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh.

"A total of 29 trains have been affected by the cyclone, with 19 UP and 10 DOWN trains under regulation. Passengers are advised to check the latest train information before starting their journey through official railway platforms like IRCTC, RailOne, NTES or by calling Railway Enquiry No.

139," Mandrupkar said. Nidhi Giri is a Senior Content Producer at the Hindustan Times. A Delhi-based journalist with over four years of experience in the news media industry, she specialises in national affairs, geopolitics, and policy shifts.

Her expertise spans breaking news coverage, live blogging, and long-form explainers. Prior to joining HT, Nidhi was part of the newsrooms at Asian News International (ANI) and The Daily Jagran where she led newsroom shifts, contributed to planned content, and edited stories.

She has led real-time coverage of major national and international events. Highlights of her career include an exclusive interview with Supreme Court Judge Justice N Kotiswar Singh, coverage of Lok Sabha Polls 2024, Union Budget, Operation Sindoor, Parliament Sessions, multiple state assembly elections, G20 New Delhi Summit 2023, India AI Summit, US Presidential Elections, and US-Iran conflict.

Nidhi is an alumna of Birla Vidya Niketan, Delhi, and holds a BA in English Honours from Bharati College, University of Delhi. She also holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute Of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and an MA in Mass Communication.

Outside the newsroom, Nidhi enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new restaurants, and maintaining an active lifestyle through her gym sessions.Read More