Palnadu and Odisha on alert as Cyclone Murasu approaches
Authorities in Palnadu district and Odisha are preparing for heavy rainfall as the cyclone moves towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
The Palnadu district administration has been placed on high alert to manage the impact of Cyclone Murasu, which is expected to bring heavy rain on November 2 and 3, according to The Hindu. Collector Kritika Shukla has instructed officials to take precautions to prevent any loss of life or property.
The severe cyclonic storm is expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Ongole between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday, November 3. Collector Shukla directed departments to strengthen drains and canals with sandbags and remove obstructions like water hyacinth near bridges to ensure water flow.
In Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for five southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, for heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4, according to the Deccan Chronicle. While the cyclone may not make direct landfall in Odisha, its movement towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast is expected to trigger widespread rain and thunderstorms.
The Odisha government has begun moving people from sensitive areas to safer locations and has strengthened emergency response systems, as reported by Prabhat Khabar. Light rain has already started in parts of the state, with intensity expected to increase in southern Odisha.
In Palnadu, the Roads and Buildings department will monitor infrastructure, while electricity officials have been told to prepare for prompt power restoration. The APCPDCL has set up special control rooms, with a toll-free number, 1912, available for electricity-related complaints.