Cyclone Murasu to bring heavy rain and winds to Odisha
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for five southern districts as the storm approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for five southern districts in Odisha as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu advances towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to reports by Pragativadi and Deccan Chronicle. The storm is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur by the morning of November 3.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri on November 3 and November 4. During this period, wind speeds in these regions are expected to reach 50–60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph.
In Ganjam and Gajapati, heavy rainfall of 7 cm to 12 cm is expected at isolated places on Monday. Other districts, including Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, and Puri, are likely to see heavy rainfall on November 3, while Nuapada, Bolangir, and Bargarh may experience heavy rain on November 4.
Authorities have cautioned that sustained heavy rain could lead to local flood-like conditions, waterlogging, and a high risk of landslides in hilly terrains such as Gajapati, Koraput, and Rayagada. This comes as parts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal continue to deal with flooding and landslides linked to Cyclone Arnab, as reported by Urban Acres.
The IMD has advised residents to limit unnecessary travel, seek safe shelter during lightning, and monitor weather updates. Rainfall activity is expected to decline from November 5, with intensity likely to reduce on November 6 and 7.