Cyclone Murasu hurtles towards Andhra; evacuations in Odisha, NDRF on standby

Cyclone Murasu is a powerful rotating storm system over the Bay of Bengal. It matters because it can bring destructive winds, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous sea conditions as it approaches land. The IMD has issued a cyclone alert for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu.

On Sunday, Murasu was moving west-northwestwards at 23 kmph. It was centred over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The storm was about 560 kilometres east-southeast of Chennai and 630 kilometres east-southeast of Nellore. The IMD expected it to turn northwestwards toward Andhra Pradesh.

Murasu is forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur. The expected crossing window is from 11.30 pm on November 2 to 4 am on November 3. Odisha is also preparing because southern districts may receive heavy rain and strong winds.

The IMD expects Murasu to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal around the morning of November 2. This classification signals a major increase in the storm’s threat, especially from damaging winds, heavy rain and dangerous coastal conditions. The storm is already moving toward Andhra Pradesh.

When Murasu crosses the coast, sustained winds are forecast at 100–110 kmph. Gusts could reach 120 kmph. The storm is expected to move northwestwards before crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur. Its projected speed and strength make early preparation essential.

The forecast landfall window is between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3. The IMD’s warning gives authorities time to evacuate vulnerable residents, protect supplies and position rescue teams. Forecasts can change, so coastal communities must follow official instructions.

Murasu’s winds and rain could create several linked dangers. Strong winds can damage buildings, trees, power lines and other infrastructure. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, producing flooding and waterlogging. Rough seas also threaten fishermen and others who venture offshore.

The article gives a clear example in southern Odisha. Rainfall warnings for November 2 and 3 forecast 7 to 20 centimetres in some areas. Winds may reach 40–50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, from the evening of November 2. On November 3, gusts could reach 70 kmph. These conditions can make roads unsafe and isolate vulnerable communities.

Officials are preparing for possible flooding, waterlogging and disruptions. People in low-lying areas and vulnerable hilly terrain are being moved to safer places. Fishermen have been advised not to enter the sea from November 2 through November 4. Supplies and rescue forces are also being readied.

A cyclone’s effects extend beyond the exact point where its centre crosses the coast. Although Murasu is forecast to make landfall in south Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha may receive heavy rain and strong winds. That creates risks of flooding, waterlogging, damaged infrastructure and difficult travel across districts near the storm’s influence.

The IMD expects heavy rainfall at isolated locations in southern Odisha on November 3 and 4. Winds could reach 50–60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph on November 3. Ganjam and Gajapati are especially important because they were affected by heavy rain and flooding after Cyclone Arnab struck on October 28.

Odisha has therefore placed its southern region on high alert. Officials are evacuating people from low-lying areas and vulnerable hills, stocking food and water, and preparing shelters. NDRF and ODRAF personnel are on standby. Existing damage and saturated areas could make new flooding harder to manage.

The IMD provides the scientific warning system. It tracks Murasu’s location and movement, forecasts its likely strength, estimates landfall timing and issues alerts for affected coasts. Its bulletins guide decisions about evacuations, fishing restrictions and emergency preparations.

The NDRF and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, or ODRAF, are emergency response teams. The article says their personnel have been placed on standby in vulnerable areas. Local district officials carry out practical measures, including moving residents from dangerous locations, preparing micro-plans, checking shelters and arranging food, drinking water and other essentials.

Block development officers and tehsildars were told to ensure people in high-risk areas reached safe shelters by Sunday night. District administrations also monitor flooding, waterlogging and supply needs. Together, forecasts, specialist rescue teams and local officials turn warnings into action before the storm arrives.

Cyclone Arnab created a difficult starting point for Murasu’s response. Heavy rain and flooding affected Ganjam and Gajapati on October 28. When another cyclone threatens soon afterward, authorities must protect people who may still be displaced, repair or reach damaged areas, and manage new risks at the same time.

The article says Odisha was still carrying out relief and rescue operations in those districts. It also describes concerns about further flooding and waterlogging. Fresh rainfall could worsen conditions in places where water has not drained or where roads and services are already disrupted. This can make evacuation and delivery of supplies more difficult.

Officials responded by holding a preparatory meeting, placing NDRF and ODRAF teams on standby, and ordering detailed local plans. Ganjam officials were told to stock food, drinking water and essentials. The previous flooding therefore increases the need for rapid, coordinated preparation before Murasu’s expected impacts.

The article describes Murasu’s movement and expected strengthening but does not explain how tropical cyclones form. In general, they develop over sufficiently warm tropical ocean water. Heat causes seawater to evaporate, adding moisture to the air. When that moist air rises and condenses into clouds, it releases heat, which can further energise the storm.

This process can lower air pressure near the surface and draw in more air. Earth’s rotation helps organise the inflowing air into a spinning circulation, while groups of thunderstorms build around the centre. If the surrounding atmosphere supports this structure and the ocean continues supplying heat, the cyclone can intensify.

Murasu was strengthening over the Bay of Bengal and was expected to become a severe cyclonic storm around the morning of November 2. The article does not provide ocean temperatures or other formation measurements. Its reported intensification shows the storm had conditions supporting further development.