Andhra braces for second cyclone in less than a week as ‘Murasu’ to make landfall on Nov 3

Cyclone Murasu is a tropical storm that developed from a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal. It matters because it is forecast to strike Andhra Pradesh only four days after Cyclone Arnab affected the coastline. The storm is expected to strengthen before reaching land.

The India Meteorological Department forecast Murasu to move northwest and cross the south coast between Nellore and Narsapur. Landfall is expected during the early hours of November 3. At that time, the storm is forecast to be a severe cyclonic storm.

The forecast puts coastal communities in the storm’s path at risk from powerful winds and intense rain. The IMD expects very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh. Shipping and fishing operations have been suspended off the coast and in the southwest Bay of Bengal until the afternoon of November 3.

Murasu is expected to be a severe, potentially very severe, cyclonic storm at landfall. Its forecast wind strength matters because sustained winds can damage structures, disrupt transport, and make rescue work dangerous. Strong gusts can create sudden additional hazards.

The IMD forecasts sustained winds of 100 to 110 km/hr when Murasu reaches the coast. Gusts may rise to 120 km/hr. The storm is also expected to produce very heavy to extremely heavy rain, measured at 115mm to over 200mm in 24 hours across coastal Andhra Pradesh.

These figures describe a combined wind and rainfall threat rather than separate minor inconveniences. Coastal areas could face flooding and waterlogging, especially where the administration has already identified vulnerable locations. The IMD has therefore advised completely suspending shipping and fishing operations off Andhra Pradesh and the southwest Bay of Bengal until the afternoon of November 3.

Landfall means a tropical cyclone’s center moves from the ocean onto land. It is a critical stage because the area near the crossing point can experience the storm’s strongest winds, heaviest rain, and most difficult conditions. The exact impacts depend on the storm’s track and strength.

For Murasu, the IMD forecasts a northwest movement before crossing the south coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Narsapur. The agency expects severe-cyclone conditions there during the midnight and early hours of November 3. This forecast places that coastal stretch directly in the projected landfall zone.

The wider coastal region may also be affected. Very heavy to extremely heavy rain is forecast across coastal Andhra Pradesh, while shipping and fishing have been suspended offshore. Officials are preparing vulnerable areas because intense rain can cause flooding and waterlogging beyond the immediate landfall point.

The immediate reason Andhra Pradesh faces a second cyclone is the rapid succession of two storms in the southwest Bay of Bengal region. Murasu developed less than a week after Cyclone Arnab made landfall in Andhra Pradesh. This leaves authorities managing one emergency while preparing for another.

Arnab made landfall on October 28, with wind speeds reaching up to 150 kmph. The article reports that Murasu formed as a deep depression and then intensified into a cyclone. It does not state that Arnab caused Murasu, or explain the atmospheric conditions behind their close timing.

The sequence has increased pressure on disaster-response systems. Odisha was still conducting relief and rescue operations after Arnab when Murasu approached. Andhra Pradesh’s government also directed officials to prepare manpower, equipment, personnel, and materials in vulnerable areas before the second storm arrived.

Murasu could create several overlapping dangers for coastal communities. Winds of 100 to 110 km/hr, with gusts up to 120 km/hr, may damage property, disrupt travel, and make outdoor activity unsafe. Heavy rain can rapidly overwhelm drainage and local waterways.

The IMD forecasts 115mm to over 200mm of rain in 24 hours across coastal Andhra Pradesh. Such rainfall can produce flooding and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying or vulnerable areas. The article reports that Ganjam officials were told to stock food, drinking water, and essential supplies in places at risk of flooding.

People may need to leave exposed locations, while emergency teams face difficult working conditions. Odisha has ordered evacuations from low-lying areas and hilly terrain. Shipping and fishing are suspended offshore. The final effects will depend on Murasu’s exact track, rainfall, and strength at landfall.

Both state governments are preparing before Murasu reaches the coast. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain ready for relief and rescue operations. He ordered adequate manpower and equipment to be kept available, with personnel and materials shifted to vulnerable areas in advance.

Odisha has ordered evacuations from low-lying areas and hilly terrain. Its disaster management minister reviewed preparations at a meeting. In Ganjam district, officials were told to ensure enough food, drinking water, and other essential supplies in locations vulnerable to flooding and waterlogging. This is especially important because Ganjam had faced Arnab’s worst effects.

Response teams are also being positioned. National Disaster Response Force and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force personnel are on standby in vulnerable areas. Naidu cancelled a scheduled Delhi visit, while the IMD advised suspending shipping and fishing operations until the afternoon of November 3.

The article does not explain how tropical cyclones form. In general, they begin over sufficiently warm tropical ocean water, where evaporation adds moisture to the air. Moist air rises around a low-pressure area, then cools and releases heat as water vapour condenses. That released heat powers more rising air and strengthens the circulation.

Earth’s rotation helps the system spin, while surrounding winds guide it. If the ocean remains warm and the storm can draw in moist air, the circulation may become more organized. Low wind differences with height also help the storm keep its structure. These processes can turn a deep depression into a cyclone and then a severe storm.

For Murasu, the article reports that a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone and was forecast to become very severe by Monday. The specific conditions that caused this strengthening are not provided in the article.