Odisha has intensified evacuation efforts in vulnerable areas as Cyclone Murasu, a severe cyclonic storm, moves rapidly across the Bay of Bengal. The storm is currently on a trajectory to make landfall on the southern Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing with it the threat of heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions.
The Odisha government has placed its southern districts on high alert, with particular attention being paid to areas such as Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, which are prone to heavy rainfall and potential landslides. Officials have been directed to ensure that people residing in low-lying and hilly regions are moved to safer shelters. This proactive measure comes as the state is still recovering from the impact of Cyclone Arnab, which struck the region less than a week prior.
As of Monday, November 2, 2026, Cyclone Murasu was located approximately 200 km east-northeast of Chennai and 210 km east-southeast of Nellore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the storm is moving northwestward at a speed of about 25 kmph. The IMD has issued a Red Message cyclone warning for Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts, indicating a significant threat.
Landfall Expected in Andhra Pradesh
The severe cyclonic storm is forecast to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh, close to Ongole, during the late hours of Monday, November 2, and the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Landfall is expected with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kmph, potentially gusting up to 120 kmph. The IMD has also warned of a storm surge of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 meters above astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying coastal areas, particularly in the Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Intensified Preparations Across States
In response to the approaching cyclone, authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha have been working to enhance their preparedness. In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure that relief and rescue operations are ready, with essential personnel and equipment being moved to vulnerable areas. The state anticipates potential damage to thousands of electricity poles, posing a significant risk to power supply. Districts like Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, and Krishna are expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone’s impact.
Tamil Nadu has also placed its district collectors on high alert, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days. Chennai and its surrounding districts have already experienced torrential rainfall. Meanwhile, Odisha, while not expected to be in the direct path of the landfall, is bracing for significant impacts, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, especially in its southern regions. Disaster response teams, including personnel from NDRF and ODRAF, have been pre-positioned across the state. Over 300 rescue teams have been deployed, with emergency response mechanisms strengthened.
Mitigation and Warnings
The IMD has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places across coastal Andhra Pradesh on November 2 and 3, with heavy rainfall expected on November 4. Telangana may also experience isolated extremely heavy falls on November 3. Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the Southeast and Southwest Bay of Bengal until November 4. Shipping and port authorities have been instructed to review their operational preparedness and monitor forecasts for potential restrictions. Maritime authorities are also reviewing their communication and search-and-rescue readiness.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
