CYCLONE MURASU FORMS OVER BAY OF BENGAL, ODISHA INTENSIFIES EVACUATION AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

November 1, 2026

A fresh cyclonic storm named ‘Murasu’ has formed over the Bay of Bengal, prompting the Odisha government to intensify disaster preparedness and evacuation measures just days after the state was battered by Cyclone Arnab. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the new system is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Murasu, named by India and meaning ‘war drum’, is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coastline between Nellore and Narsapur with sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. The projected landfall is expected by the morning of November 3, although the system’s movement and intensity remain subject to meteorological updates.

The Odisha government has declared a high alert across the southern districts and ordered the evacuation of residents from vulnerable low-lying areas and hilly terrain. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the administration was prepared to respond to the approaching storm, with particular attention being given to communities exposed to flooding and landslides.

The approaching cyclone presents an additional challenge for Odisha, where rescue, relief and restoration operations are continuing following Cyclone Arnab. Districts including Ganjam and Kandhamal have suffered significant damage from heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. Officials are simultaneously working to restore essential services and prepare vulnerable populations for the next spell of severe weather.

Director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, Manorama Mohanty, said rainfall was expected to begin affecting Odisha from November 2, with its intensity likely to increase on November 3 and November 4 under the influence of Murasu.

The emergence of another cyclone within days has placed disaster management agencies on heightened alert along India's eastern coastline. Authorities are prioritising evacuation, emergency response arrangements and the protection of vulnerable communities as Odisha continues to recover from the destruction caused by the previous storm.