Another cyclone after Arnab? Murasu heads towards Andhra coast, may hit on Nov 3

A Bay of Bengal depression may intensify into Cyclone Murasu and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast. The warning raises fresh concerns in areas still recovering from Cyclone Arnab.

In Short

• Winds may reach 100 kmph, though weaker than Cyclone Arnab
• Rayalaseema and south Odisha face very heavy rainfall warnings this week
• Fishermen must avoid dangerous seas until at least Wednesday afternoon

Andhra Pradesh may face another cyclonic storm within days of Cyclone Arnab, as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into Cyclone Murasu, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

The system is likely to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and may make landfall on the morning of Tuesday, November 3.

If the depression develops into a cyclonic storm as forecast, it will be named Murasu, a name contributed by India. The system would become the second cyclonic storm to form over the Bay of Bengal this year, following Cyclone Arnab, which affected the East Coast last week.

The IMD has forecast strong winds and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Odisha over the coming days.

Coastal districts have been advised to remain alert as the weather system moves closer to land.

According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the system could bring sustained wind speeds of 80 to 90 kmph, with gusts reaching 100 kmph.

It is expected to be less intense than Cyclone Arnab, which had affected the region with winds of around 130 kmph.

CYCLONE MURASU: RAINFALL AND WIND WARNINGS

The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on November 2 and 3, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in some areas. South Odisha is also likely to receive heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4.

The developing system is expected to influence weather conditions across coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and neighbouring regions of southern India.

The IMD has also warned of deteriorating sea conditions across the Bay of Bengal. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until at least Wednesday afternoon. Those already at sea have been asked to return to the coast.

Mohapatra said large parts of the west-central, south-east and central Bay of Bengal could experience extremely dangerous sea conditions.

He cautioned that the conditions could prove disastrous for fishing boats and smaller vessels and advised them to stay away from the affected areas.

ODISHA STEPS UP PREPAREDNESS, PLANS EVACUATIONS

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has begun preparations to deal with the possible impact of the developing weather system, particularly in southern districts vulnerable to heavy rainfall and landslides.

State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government had held discussions with District Collectors and Magistrates of several southern Odisha districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Kandhamal.

He said arrangements had been made to evacuate residents from areas vulnerable to landslides, particularly settlements located below hills and mountains.

"All the Collectors and District Magistrates attended today's meeting. We have made all necessary arrangements to evacuate people from areas vulnerable to landslides," Pujari said.

Referring to the damage caused during the previous cyclone, the minister said residents living in vulnerable hilly areas had suffered significant losses. The government has therefore decided to move people to safer locations and cyclone shelters before the next storm approaches.

"People have also agreed to move to cyclone shelters. Directions have been issued to officials in these districts to remain prepared to deal with any possible cyclone-related situation," he added.

CYCLONE ARNAB'S IMPACT STILL FRESH

The fresh weather warning comes days after Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28. The storm, which recorded sustained wind speeds of around 130 kmph, was classified as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm by the IMD.

The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, damaging houses, uprooting trees and disrupting electricity supplies in several areas.

At least three people died, while more than 1.8 lakh people were evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, according to figures cited in the earlier report.

The possibility of another cyclone has raised concerns among residents and farmers who are still dealing with the aftermath of Arnab. Another spell of heavy rainfall and strong winds could further affect agricultural activity and delay recovery efforts in the affected districts.

IMD FORECASTS BELOW-NORMAL RAINFALL IN NOVEMBER

Despite the development of two weather systems in quick succession, the IMD expects much of the country to receive below-normal rainfall in November 2026.

South Peninsular India is likely to receive less than 77 per cent of its long-period average rainfall. Most other regions are also expected to record below-normal precipitation, except parts of central, northwestern and northeastern India.

Day and night temperatures are likely to remain above normal across most parts of the country, with the Himalayan foothills and some areas of central and eastern India expected to be exceptions.

The IMD has also indicated that strong El Nino conditions are likely to persist, while the Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to remain neutral.

Meanwhile, northwestern parts of India, including Delhi and Punjab, are likely to experience largely dry weather, with relatively stable temperatures as rainfall activity remains concentrated over eastern and southern regions.

- Ends
With inputs from Ajaya Kumar Nath