Cyclone Murasu disrupts Andhra Pradesh: Heavy rains delay civic vote counting, 29 trains suspended

The severe torrential rains that arrived with Cyclone Storm Murasu have disrupted normal life in southern Andhra Pradesh, delaying the counting of votes for the election of local bodies and obstructing the running of trains on coastal routes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in the region, while the cyclone had caused continuous heavy winds and rain in the region.

Delays in heavy rains affecting pooled urban elections

The cyclone had greatly impacted administration in 92 urban bodies that had conducted elections on November 1.

Delays in Vijayawada: Difficulties faced in counting votes at Vijayawada Municipal Corporation due to heavy rain on the night of November 1, with the counting of votes getting delayed by about 2.5 hours.

Ward-wise arrangements: The counting had started with postal votes before counting the electronic voting machines (EVMs) in different halls in East West and Central Assembly constituencies.    

Normal process: District Collector of NTR District, Dr. G. Lakshmish had confirmed that the counting of votes had resumed normally in five urban bodies in the district.  

State activity: In total 13 municipal corporations, 79 municipalities and Nagar Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh have taken part in the counting process.  

South Coast Railway regulates 29 trains due to high winds

High-velocity winds recorded at Karavadi Station forced railway authorities to temporarily suspend train movement on the Vijayawada-Ongole-Gudur section.  

A total of 29 passenger and express trains have been regulated, rescheduled, diverted, or canceled at originating and en-route stations to guarantee passenger safety. Railway officials urged passengers to check updated schedules before traveling.  

Agricultural and salt pan destruction around Ongole

The storm caused widespread destruction to rural livelihoods along the central coastal belt.

High winds and floodwaters inundated agricultural fields in and around Ongole, destroying standing seasonal crops.  

Extensive damage was also reported across coastal salt pans, delivering severe financial losses to local farmers and salt pan workers. Emergency response teams remain deployed to assess damage and clear waterlogged transit corridors.

ALSO READ | Cyclone Murasu hits Andhra Coast: Heavy rains cause severe waterlogging in Vijayawada; landfall process underway near Ongole