Cyclone Murasu forms over Bay of Bengal as Odisha goes on alert
The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3 with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Murasu on Sunday, according to reports from The Hindu and Hindustan Times. The India Meteorological Department stated that the storm, which means war drum, is likely to make landfall on the morning of November 3 between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh.
The meteorological agency warned that the cyclone could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds are expected to be between 100 and 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
Odisha has issued a high alert for 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 Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, said Odisha will receive rainfall starting November 2, with intensity increasing on November 3 and continuing through November 4.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said the state is managing relief and restoration for those hit by Cyclone Arnab while preparing for Murasu. He noted that Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods had impacted 1.18 lakh people, damaged 1,672 houses, and affected 75,388 hectares of crop area.
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.