Bhubaneswar: Odisha is preparing for another severe weather threat as Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, even as the state continues to deal with the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab, which has claimed six lives and left 10 people missing.
Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, triggered heavy rainfall, floods and landslides across southern Odisha. The disaster has affected approximately 1.18 lakh people, damaged 1,672 houses and impacted 75,388 hectares of agricultural land.
The death toll increased to six on Sunday after two bodies were recovered from a landslide-hit village in the southern region. Search operations are continuing to trace 10 missing people.
Gidipabali village, located along the Ganjam and Kandhamal district border, was buried under massive amounts of mud and debris following heavy rainfall. The village, which had around 26 residents, was devastated by the landslide. At least 13 survivors have been shifted to a relief centre near G Udaygiri.
Authorities have reported at least 10 landslide incidents during Cyclone Arnab, making rescue and restoration operations particularly challenging. More than 6,400 personnel have been deployed to accelerate electricity restoration in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has warned that Cyclone Murasu could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 and 3. Wind speeds are expected to reach 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts of up to 120 kmph.
Odisha is expected to experience rainfall from November 2, with the intensity increasing on November 3 and continuing through November 4.
The state government has placed southern districts, particularly Ganjam, on high alert. Authorities have ordered evacuations from low-lying areas and vulnerable hilly regions. Schools and colleges in several southern districts have also been closed until November 3. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a special relief package for families affected by the floods. Each affected household in the southern region will receive 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500, along with additional financial assistance for crop losses, damaged houses and livelihood disruptions.
The government has also kept disaster response teams on standby and strengthened its preparedness to tackle the approaching storm.
An eight-member central inter-ministerial team is scheduled to visit Odisha from November 2 to 4 to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab. The relief package will be reviewed after the impact of Cyclone Murasu is assessed.
