Authorities in Odisha have intensified evacuation efforts from vulnerable areas as Cyclone Murasu has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. While the cyclone is expected to make landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha is bracing for significant rainfall and gusty winds. The storm’s trajectory poses a risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, and Malkangiri, with the potential to exacerbate existing flood conditions and trigger landslides in areas still recovering from Cyclone Arnab.
Evacuation Efforts Underway in Southern Odisha
The Odisha government has placed southern districts on high alert, with disaster response teams actively engaged in relocating residents from low-lying and landslide-prone areas. Over 300 rescue personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and the Fire Service have been pre-positioned to manage any exigencies. While the direct landfall is anticipated in Andhra Pradesh, the southern districts of Odisha are expected to experience considerable impact. The administration is prioritizing the safety of individuals residing in areas identified as vulnerable, including over 150 such locations in Gajapati district where the risk of landslides remains high due to saturated soil conditions following Cyclone Arnab.
Cyclone Murasu’s Projected Path and Intensity
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and was moving northwestwards. The cyclone was located approximately 200 km east-northeast of Chennai and 210 km east-southeast of Nellore. It is projected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh, between late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. Wind speeds are expected to range between 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph during landfall. Following landfall, the storm is forecast to weaken into a cyclonic storm and subsequently into a deep depression over the next two days.
Impact on Neighbouring States
The IMD has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with potential for extremely heavy rainfall and a storm surge of 1.0–1.5 meters in low-lying areas. In Tamil Nadu, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated, with an orange alert issued for Chennai and surrounding districts, leading to the closure of schools and colleges. Telangana has also issued orange and yellow rainfall alerts for multiple districts. Flights to and from Chennai airport have been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions.
Preparations and Warnings
Authorities in all affected states have initiated comprehensive preparedness measures. This includes the establishment of control rooms, deployment of disaster response teams, and advisories to fishermen against venturing into the sea. In Odisha, the precautionary opening of the Balimela reservoir gates has also been undertaken. The government has urged citizens to adhere to official advisories and contact emergency numbers for assistance. The cyclone’s intensification into a severe cyclonic storm underscores the ongoing vulnerability of India’s eastern coast to tropical cyclones, particularly in the wake of Cyclone Arnab, which caused significant damage and loss of life less than a week prior.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
