Cyclone Murasu forms over Bay of Bengal as Odisha goes on alert
The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm Murasu on Sunday, according to reports from The Hindu, Hindustan Times and Deccan Herald. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the storm, named Murasu meaning war drum, is likely to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur on the morning of November 3.
The IMD warned that the cyclone is set to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to bring wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
Odisha has sounded a high alert in its southern region, including Ganjam. State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government is prepared and has ordered the evacuation of people from hilly terrain and low-lying areas.
Manorama Mohanty, director of the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar, said Odisha will receive rainfall from November 2, with intensity increasing on November 3 and continuing through November 4.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said work is underway on relief and restoration for those hit by floods after Cyclone Arnab. He noted that Ganjam and Kandhamal districts were most affected by Arnab, impacting 1.18 lakh people.
The state has reported 10 landslides and five deaths following Cyclone Arnab. Officials have identified 150 landslide-prone places in Gajapati district for evacuation by Monday afternoon.