Cyclone ‘Murasu’ Intensifies, Threatens Andhra Pradesh Coast

Cyclone ‘Murasu’ over the Bay of Bengal has gained strength and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, with meteorologists forecasting that it is moving towards the coast of India’s Andhra Pradesh. The storm may make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur late on Monday night (November 2) or in the early hours of Tuesday (November 3). In response to the developing weather system, Bangladesh’s seaports have been asked to maintain Local Cautionary Signal No. 2. The report was published by the Hindustan Times.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the cyclone may intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm. At the time of landfall, its sustained wind speed could reach 100–110 kilometres per hour, while gusts may rise to 120 kilometres per hour.

The storm has been named ‘Murasu’ by India. The word means ‘war drum’. Manorama Mohanty, director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, said rainfall could begin in Odisha on November 2. Rainfall is expected to intensify the following day and may continue until November 4.

The Odisha government has announced preparations to deal with the potential impact of the cyclone. State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the necessary arrangements were in place and urged people not to panic unnecessarily.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the cyclone was located 1,390 kilometres southwest of Chattogram seaport at 3:00 am on Monday. At the same time, it was 1,350 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 1,245 kilometres southwest of Mongla and 1,255 kilometres southwest of Payra seaport.

BMD meteorologist Hafizur Rahman said sustained winds within 64 kilometres of the cyclone’s centre were reaching a maximum speed of 89 kilometres per hour. Gusts and squalls were increasing the wind speed to as much as 117 kilometres per hour.

With the sea remaining rough around the cyclone’s centre, the authorities have instructed Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 2. All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and operate cautiously until further notice.