Cyclone Murasu forms over Bay of Bengal as Andhra Pradesh on alert
The storm is expected to make landfall on the morning of November 3 between Nellore and Narsapur.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm Murasu on Sunday, according to reports from The Pioneer and The Hindu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the system is likely to become a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur on the morning of November 3.
The cyclone, named Murasu by India, is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph with gusts reaching 120 kmph. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted the system could produce sustained winds of 80-90 kmph with gusts up to 100 kmph. The storm is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Odisha.
Odisha has issued a high alert for its southern districts. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government is preparing to move residents from mountain-side settlements and low-lying zones to safer locations and cyclone shelters.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said officials are focusing on landslide risks in hilly areas. He noted that the state has identified approximately 150 landslide-prone spots in Gajapati district for potential evacuations.
The new system arrives shortly after Cyclone Arnab hit the coast on October 28. According to Hindustan Times, Cyclone Arnab impacted 1.18 lakh people and caused 10 landslides in Odisha, resulting in five deaths.