Cyclone Murasu: 7 Odisha Districts on Alert, Schools Shut

Seven districts in Odisha have been placed under close watch as severe cyclonic storm Murasu moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting authorities to strengthen preparedness measures. The state government has said people living in vulnerable areas will be shifted to cyclone shelters if required, while some district administrations have ordered school closures as a precaution.

The districts being monitored are Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and Kandhamal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rainfall alerts for these areas, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Monday.

Murasu is expected to make landfall along the adjoining Andhra Pradesh coast during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

Odisha Monitors Seven Districts as Cyclone Murasu Approaches

The Odisha government is monitoring the cyclone’s movement and preparing to evacuate residents from vulnerable locations if weather conditions deteriorate.

Minister Suresh Pujari said people who had been moved to cyclone shelters during Cyclone Arnab had returned to their homes. However, they could be shifted back to shelters if the situation required it.

Authorities are also keeping a close watch on 150 locations in Gajapati district because of concerns about possible landslides. The administration is assessing vulnerable areas and coordinating preparedness measures to respond to the approaching storm.

According to Pujari, around 1,80,920 people had taken shelter in cyclone centres during Cyclone Arnab. The government is monitoring the current situation to ensure that evacuation arrangements can be activated when necessary.

Schools Closed in Kandhamal and Rayagada on November 3 and 4

As a precaution against the expected weather conditions, local administrations in Kandhamal and Rayagada have ordered the closure of all schools on November 3 and 4.

The restrictions apply to students up to Class 12. However, examinations and other scheduled academic activities will continue as planned, according to the orders issued by the district administrations.

The precautionary closures are intended to reduce risks for students as the districts remain under watch for rainfall associated with Cyclone Murasu.

State Highway 48 Closed in Koraput After Continuous Rainfall

In neighbouring Koraput district, authorities have sealed State Highway 48 between Borigumma and Raniguda following continuous rainfall and concerns about landslides.

The administration warned that soil and mud could slide down nearby hills, creating dangerous conditions for commuters. People have been advised to avoid the affected stretch until further notice.

National Highway 326 has been identified as an alternative route for motorists travelling through the area. The same stretch of State Highway 48 had witnessed landslides after heavy rainfall last month.

IMD Tracks Cyclone Murasu Over the Bay of Bengal

According to the IMD, Murasu was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 8.30 am on Monday. The system was located approximately 160 km east-southeast of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and 180 km northeast of Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

The cyclone was moving west-northwestwards at a speed of around 22 kmph during the preceding six hours. Its expected landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast has prompted authorities in neighbouring Odisha to monitor rainfall and possible impacts across vulnerable districts.

Odisha Announces Relief Package for Cyclone Arnab Victims

While preparing for Cyclone Murasu, the Odisha government has also announced a comprehensive relief package for people affected by Cyclone Arnab.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the assistance after reviewing relief, rehabilitation and damage assessment measures at the office of the Special Relief Commissioner.

Under the package, each affected family will receive 50 kg of rice and ₹2,500 as immediate assistance. The support covers several categories of affected people, including farmers, families whose houses were damaged, livestock owners, fishermen, women self-help groups, weavers, artisans and small businesses.

Crop Loss Compensation for Farmers

Farmers who suffered crop losses of 33% or more will be eligible for input subsidies based on the type of land and crops affected.

• Non-irrigated land: ₹8,500 per hectare.
• Irrigated land: ₹17,000 per hectare.
• Perennial crops: ₹22,500 per hectare.

The assistance will be subject to a maximum eligible area of two hectares. The chief minister said the state government was committed to extending support to all people affected by Cyclone Arnab.

Central Team Arrives to Assess Cyclone Arnab Damage

An eight-member inter-ministerial central team, headed by a joint secretary of the Union Home Ministry, arrived in Odisha on Monday to assess damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods.

The team will visit the worst-affected districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, to review the damage and assess the impact of the cyclone and flooding.

As Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, Odisha authorities continue to monitor the seven districts under alert, prepare evacuation arrangements and take precautionary steps in areas facing rainfall and landslide risks.