Odisha Steps Up Evacuation as Cyclone Murasu Intensifies

The Odisha government on Monday accelerated the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas after Cyclone Murasu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal.

Although the storm is forecast to make landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast, southern Odisha is expected to experience heavy rainfall, gusty winds and possible flooding under its influence.

Cyclone Murasu Moving Towards Andhra Coast

The India Meteorological Department said the severe cyclonic storm was moving northwestwards across the Bay of Bengal.

The latest forecast places landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11:30 pm on Monday, November 2, and 4 am on Tuesday, November 3.

The storm is expected to cross the coast with sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph.

Southern Odisha Districts on High Alert

Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the storm could significantly affect southern districts despite making landfall in Andhra Pradesh.

The districts placed on heightened alert include:

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

District collectors across the state have been asked to remain prepared, with southern Odisha authorities instructed to maintain a higher level of readiness.

Evacuation From Vulnerable Areas Accelerated

The Cyclone Murasu Odisha response has prioritised shifting people away from low-lying areas, landslide-prone locations and vulnerable houses.

Special precautions are being taken in Gajapati district, where around 150 landslide-prone locations have been identified.

People living in vulnerable settlements have already begun moving to safer locations and cyclone shelters.

Over 300 Rescue Teams Pre-Positioned

Pujari said more than 300 rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Odisha Fire Service had been pre-positioned.

Many of the teams deployed during Cyclone Arnab have remained stationed in the same areas ahead of Murasu.

Heavy Rain Forecast for Southern Odisha

Rain has already begun in parts of Odisha, with the intensity expected to increase as the cyclone approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated locations in southern Odisha, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri and Khurda are also expected to receive rain under the cyclone’s influence.

Authorities Prepare for Flooding and Waterlogging

Officials have been instructed to prepare for possible urban waterlogging, local flooding, uprooted trees and damage to weak structures.

Emergency operation centres and cyclone shelters have been ordered to remain fully functional, with stocks of food, drinking water, medicines and other essentials kept ready.

Engineering teams have also been asked to strengthen vulnerable river and coastal embankments.

Crop and Reservoir Measures Taken

The Agriculture Department and district administrations have been told to issue field-level advisories to protect standing crops, plantations and horticultural produce.

The Water Resources Department has also directed officials to lower reservoir levels in areas likely to receive heavy rainfall so that adequate storage capacity remains available.

Odisha Maintains Full Disaster Preparedness

The state administration remains on alert as Cyclone Murasu approaches landfall.

Authorities are focusing on evacuation, rescue preparedness, flood management and protection of vulnerable communities while monitoring the storm’s path and rainfall intensity.

The Cyclone Murasu Odisha response is expected to remain active through November 3 and 4 as heavy rainfall and strong winds affect southern districts.