Cyclone Murasu forms over Bay of Bengal as Odisha goes on high alert
The storm is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3 with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph.
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm Murasu on Sunday, prompting the Odisha government to increase preparedness in its southern region, according to reports by Hindustan Times, The Hindu and Deccan Herald.
The India Meteorological Department stated that the cyclone, named Murasu meaning war drum, is set to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh on the morning of November 3, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.
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.
State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government has announced a high alert in the southern region and ordered the evacuation of people from hilly terrain and low-lying areas.
Odisha 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 already impacted 1.18 lakh people, damaged 1,672 houses and affected 75,388 hectares of crop area.
Patil added that the state has identified 150 landslide-prone places in Gajapati district, where evacuations are expected by Monday afternoon.