Heavy rain has lashed several parts of Odisha as severe cyclonic storm Murasu moves towards the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by The Daily Jagran. Odisha authorities are evacuating people from risk-prone areas, and five southern districts have been put on high alert.
Key points
- Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts are on high alert, said disaster management minister Suresh Pujari.
- Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been reported in several parts of Puri district.
- The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, near Ongole, in the night of November 2 and 3.
- Winds of 100–110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, are likely at landfall.
Situation in Odisha
Rain has been falling in many parts of Odisha under the influence of the storm over the Bay of Bengal. In Puri district, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been reported. Heavy rain with gusty winds is also forecast for southern Odisha.
The state authorities have been moving people out of areas at risk as the cyclone approaches the Andhra coast. As reported by Hindustan Times, Minister Suresh Pujari said Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been placed on high alert.
Where the storm is and where it will cross
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm. The crossing is expected between Nellore and Narasapur, south of Ongole. Wind speed at that time may be 100–110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph.
In its latest bulletin, the IMD said the storm was moving at 25 kmph. It was centred about 200 km east-northeast of Chennai, 210 km east-southeast of Nellore, 270 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 220 km east-southeast of Kavali and 260 km southeast of Ongole.
Impact in neighbouring states
In Andhra Pradesh, Konaseema has seen flooding and waterlogging. A PTI video showed that the rain may add to the troubles of farmers who are still recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab. Power restoration there has also been delayed. Heavy rain has also affected Tirumala and nearby areas.
Power supply was disrupted in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. On Monday, the Tamil Nadu government sent around 500 electricity department personnel to help restore it. This followed a request from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, said Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are likely to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3. In Telangana, the IMD has issued an orange alert for six districts and a yellow alert for five districts for November 3. Weather in Tamil Nadu is also likely to change.
What it means for residents
For people in southern Odisha, the high alert means heavy rain and strong winds are possible in the coming hours. Residents of the five alerted districts may need to follow instructions from local authorities, especially in areas where evacuation is under way. Further updates will come from the IMD and the state government as the storm crosses the coast.
