Odisha remains on high alert as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast (Img: IMD/ X)
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up evacuation efforts in vulnerable areas after Cyclone Murasu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, according to the report. Authorities have also strengthened disaster preparedness as the system is expected to make landfall along the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
Southern Odisha is likely to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds as the cyclone moves closer to the coastline.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm was moving at a speed of 25 kmph. Its centre was located around 200 km east-northeast of Chennai and 210 km east-southeast of Nellore.
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According to the report, Murasu would hit the southern Andhra Pradesh coast with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph and gusts of up to 120 kmph. The expected landfall was between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11.30 pm on Monday and 4 am on Tuesday.
Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the cyclone could affect several parts of the state despite its expected landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
The districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been placed on high alert. District collectors have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and ensure timely evacuation from vulnerable locations.
The minister added that emergency response teams deployed during Cyclone Arnab would continue operating from their existing locations.
The state has pre-positioned more than 300 rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Odisha Fire Service.
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The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Gajapati and Ganjam, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph.
Puri , Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Khurda are also expected to receive rainfall as the cyclone's influence spreads across the state.
