Cyclone Murasu Triggers Orange Alert in Odisha; Heavy Rain, Strong Winds Likely
Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for several districts of Odisha as Severe Cyclonic Storm “Murasu” intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and moves towards the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
The weather system is expected to trigger heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across southern and coastal Odisha over the next two days.
According to IMD, Cyclone Murasu is likely to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh during the night of November 2 and early hours of November 3.
Wind speeds during landfall are expected to range between 100 and 110 kmph, with gusts touching 120 kmph.
While the cyclone’s direct landfall is expected in Andhra Pradesh, its outer bands are likely to significantly impact Odisha.
IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
These districts have been placed under Orange Warning for November 3 and 4.
Several other districts, including Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Khordha, Nayagarh and Cuttack, are under Yellow Alert due to the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and moderate rainfall.
Winds may reach 50-60 kmph with gusts up to 70 kmph in affected areas.
The Odisha government has stepped up preparedness measures in vulnerable districts.
Disaster response teams have been kept on standby, and local administrations have been directed to monitor low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until weather conditions improve.
Authorities have also warned of possible waterlogging, localised flooding, tree uprooting, and traffic disruptions due to intense rainfall and gusty winds.
Residents have been urged to stay updated with official weather bulletins and follow safety advisories issued by the administration.
