Depression over Bay of Bengal may intensify into cyclone Murasu; Andhra coast on alert

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh could face another cyclonic storm within days of Cyclone Arnab, with a depression over the Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into Cyclone Murasu and move towards the state’s coast, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system may make landfall on the morning of November 3, the weather department said. If it develops into a cyclonic storm, it will be named Murasu, a name contributed by India.

The developing system is expected to bring strong winds and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Odisha over the next few days.

According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the system could generate sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, with gusts reaching 100 kmph. It is expected to be less intense than Cyclone Arnab, which affected the eastern coast last week with winds of around 130 kmph.

Rainfall and wind warnings

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

Coastal districts have been advised to remain alert as the system approaches. The weather department 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, while those already at sea have been asked to return to the coast.

Mohapatra warned that large parts of the west-central, south-eastern and central Bay of Bengal could experience extremely dangerous sea conditions, posing a serious risk to fishing boats and smaller vessels.

Odisha steps up preparedness

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has begun preparations to deal with the possible impact of the developing 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 Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Kandhamal.

He said arrangements were being made to evacuate people from landslide-prone areas, particularly settlements located below hills and mountains.

The government has directed officials in the affected districts to remain prepared and move residents to safer locations and cyclone shelters if necessary.

Pujari said residents in vulnerable areas had agreed to shift to cyclone shelters, adding that the administration was taking precautions in view of the damage caused by the previous cyclone.

Arnab's damage still fresh

The latest warning comes days after Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28. The storm, classified by the IMD as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, brought sustained winds of around 130 kmph, heavy rainfall and widespread disruption.

It damaged houses, uprooted trees and disrupted electricity supplies in several areas. At least three people were killed, while more than 1.8 lakh people were evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, according to figures cited in earlier reports.

The possibility of another cyclone has raised concerns among residents and farmers still dealing with the aftermath of Arnab. Further heavy rainfall and strong winds could affect agricultural activities and delay recovery work in the affected districts.

Below-normal rainfall in November

Despite the development of successive weather systems over the Bay of Bengal, the IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall across much of the country in November.

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, north-western and north-eastern 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 Niño conditions are likely to persist, while the Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to remain neutral.