Claim: Severe Cyclone Murasu caused widespread destruction along the Andhra Pradesh coast, while the state government activated the Mana Mitra WhatsApp platform to receive complaints and provide assistance to affected residents.
Verdict: Mostly True — With Context
What did we find?
1. IMD confirms Murasu’s landfall and wind speeds
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on November 3. The IMD recorded wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. Its subsequent bulletin reported that the storm was moving north-northwestwards over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and was expected to weaken gradually. These official observations support the report’s description of Murasu as a severe cyclonic storm that crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast.
2. Mana Mitra WhatsApp facility was activated
The activation of the Mana Mitra facility is also corroborated by a separate report published by Deccan Chronicle on November 2, 2026. According to the report, the Andhra Pradesh government’s Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) introduced a dedicated facility on its Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance platform for cyclone-related grievances.
Residents can report problems including:
- Power outages
- Uprooted trees
- Collapsed walls
- Waterlogging
- Other cyclone-related emergencies
To register a complaint, residents are instructed to send a “Hi” message to 9552300009, select the Services option, choose “Murasu Cyclone Issues” and proceed to “Report Issue”. They are then required to provide details such as their name, district and mandal. Residents can also describe the problem and upload photographs, if available. The report says registered grievances are forwarded to the concerned officials for necessary action and resolution.
Conclusion
The IMD confirmed that Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole on November 3, with winds reaching 100–110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph. The activation of the Mana Mitra WhatsApp grievance facility is also corroborated by a separate report, which provides the registration process and helpline number. However, the precise extent of damage described in the report has not been independently established by the sources reviewed. Cyclone Murasu’s landfall and the activation of the Mana Mitra WhatsApp grievance facility are corroborated. However, the specific damage figures and descriptions require further official confirmation.