The government of Odisha has placed the state on high alert, with disaster management machinery fully mobilised to tackle the looming threat of severe Cyclone ‘Murasu’, according to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.
Coming closely on the heels of the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods—which affected nearly 1.18 lakh people, damaged 75,388 hectares of farmland, and left communities reeling—the prospect of another severe weather system has sparked widespread anxiety across southern Odisha.
According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), severe Cyclone Maruth is tracking northwestward at about 25 km/h. It is projected to make landfall between Nellore and Narasapuram close to Ongole along the Andhra Pradesh coast. During landfall, wind speeds are expected to range between 100 and 110 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h.
Southern Districts Under Special Focus
While the storm is centred towards the Andhra coast, its outer bands and associated weather systems will trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern Odisha. Special vigilance has been enforced in five core districts:
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Ganjam
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Gajapati
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Rayagada
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Koraput
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Malkangiri
Additionally, districts such as Puri, Khordha, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur are expected to experience heavy showers and squally weather from November 2 to November 4. Regional Meteorological Centre Director Dr Manorama Mohanty has urged residents in hilly and landslide-prone areas to exercise extreme caution.
Administrative Preparedness and Relief Efforts
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has appealed to citizens not to panic, assuring that the systems are under constant watch and all precautionary measures are being scaled up.
Minister Suresh Pujari emphasised that disaster response frameworks established during Cyclone Arnab have been kept active and reinforced. Over 300 dedicated rescue teams—comprising NDRF, ODRF, and Fire Services personnel—have been deployed ahead of schedule. Vulnerable populations in low-lying and hilly terrains are actively being evacuated to safer shelters.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced special assistance packages for families affected by Cyclone Arnab, including 50 kg of rice, Rs 2,500 in cash relief, and dedicated financial support for crop and housing damage. A central team is currently touring Odisha to assess the losses from the previous disaster.
With the administration juggling post-cyclone recovery efforts on one hand and imminent disaster mitigation on the other, the next 48 hours remain critical for Odisha. Officials reiterate that government preparedness coupled with public awareness will be the strongest shield against this emerging threat.
