Cyclone Murasu forms over Bay of Bengal as Odisha stays on alert
The storm is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh on November 3 with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm Murasu on Sunday, according to reports by Hindustan Times, The Hindu and Deccan Herald. The India Meteorological Department stated the storm is expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm before hitting the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur on the morning of November 3.
The cyclone, named after a war drum, is projected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. Manorama Mohanty, director of the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar, noted that Odisha will experience rainfall starting November 2, with heavier rain expected on November 3 and November 4.
Odisha State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government has issued a high alert for the southern region. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents living in hilly areas and low-lying locations to prepare for the storm.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said officials are managing relief for those affected by previous Cyclone Arnab while preparing for Murasu. He noted that landslides are a primary concern, as the state previously reported 10 landslides and five deaths during Cyclone Arnab.
In Gajapati district, the government has identified 150 landslide-prone spots, with evacuations planned by Monday afternoon. Patil added that Cyclone Arnab had impacted 1.18 lakh people and damaged 1,672 houses.