Bhubaneswar, Nov 2 (UDN): Odisha is bracing for intense rainfall as Cyclone Murasu is forecast to strengthen into a Severe Cyclonic Storm on Monday before making landfall along the southern Andhra Pradesh coast. Although the system is unlikely to bring destructive cyclonic winds to Odisha, its outer rain bands could trigger heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several southern districts, raising fears of flooding and landslides.
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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, between late Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday. At the time of landfall, the system may pack sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph. It is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm after crossing the coast.
The storm’s outer circulation is likely to pass close to Malkangiri and Koraput, potentially intensifying rainfall activity across southern Odisha.
Orange Alert for Five Districts
The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for five districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri — warning of very heavy rainfall during the forecast period.
On Monday, heavy rainfall is expected in Ganjam and Gajapati, while Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri and Khordha may also experience significant precipitation.
The situation could worsen on Tuesday and Wednesday, when very heavy rainfall is forecast in the five southern districts covered by the Orange Warning.
Wind speeds of 50–60 kmph, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, may prevail over parts of the region during these two days.
Flooding and Landslides Raise Concern
Continuous rainfall could cause localised flooding, waterlogging and disruption to normal life in low-lying areas. Hilly and vulnerable locations may face an increased risk of landslides, particularly where the soil is already saturated.
The rainfall warning has raised concerns as several parts of Odisha are already dealing with flood-related difficulties.
US Weather Agency Projects Stronger Winds
Meanwhile, the US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has projected that the cyclone could reach wind speeds of around 130 kmph at landfall, with gusts touching 148 kmph.
Citing these projections, senior meteorologist Professor Surendranath Pashupalak said the system could cross the coast between 2 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday. Wind speeds over the interior parts of Andhra Pradesh may subsequently decline to around 83 kmph.
He cautioned that the extension of the cyclone’s outer rain bands towards Odisha could significantly increase rainfall across the southern districts.
Ganjam and Gajapati Likely to Receive Intense Showers
Several areas of Ganjam district, including Gopalpur, Chhatrapur, Berhampur and Chikiti, are likely to experience heavy rainfall.
The hilly pockets of Gajapati district may also receive intense showers, increasing the possibility of landslides in vulnerable locations.
However, Professor Pashupalak indicated that the chances of damaging cyclonic winds directly affecting Odisha remain relatively low. Strong wind gusts along the southern coastal belt and rough sea conditions cannot be ruled out.
Residents Advised to Remain Alert
With Cyclone Murasu approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, authorities and residents in southern Odisha are being urged to remain vigilant.
People living in low-lying areas, hilly regions and landslide-prone locations should closely follow official weather bulletins and take necessary precautions. Fishermen and coastal communities should also remain attentive to warnings regarding strong winds and rough sea conditions.
While Odisha may escape the cyclone’s direct landfall impact, the expected rainfall could pose a serious challenge for the state’s southern districts over the next few days.