Cyclone Alert / Cyclone Murasu approaches coast, Kalahandi on high alert

Bhawanipatna, Nov 2: Even as the impact of Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is expected to remain limited in Kalahandi district, the local administration has stepped up preparedness measures to tackle any eventuality arising from heavy rainfall, flooding, or landslides.

Cyclone Murasu, currently active over the west-central Bay of Bengal, is forecast to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur along the Andhra Pradesh coast late Monday night.

While Kalahandi remains under a Green Warning, authorities are leaving no room for complacency and have activated a district-wide emergency response mechanism.

Also read: Kandhamal Gears Up for Cyclone Murasu Impact; Over 2,300 Evacuated to 35 Shelters

The district administration has cancelled the leave of all government employees and announced the closure of all schools in Kalahandi on November 3 as a precautionary measure. Special monitoring is underway in 117 vulnerable villages identified as prone to floods and landslides.

Continuous public awareness campaigns through microphone announcements are being conducted in low-lying areas along the Hati and Tel rivers, including Junagarh, Kalampur and Belkhandi.

Residents from rain-affected pockets such as Bankapala and Depur are being shifted to safer multipurpose cyclone shelters.

Authorities have also intensified preparedness in landslide-prone regions such as Thuamul Rampur, M. Rampur, Koksara and Lanjigarh.

JCB machines have been deployed by the Works and Rural Development departments to clear roads and restore connectivity in the event of blockages caused by heavy rains or debris.

In addition, pregnant women whose expected delivery dates fall before November 10 are being identified and shifted to nearby Maa Gruhas or healthcare facilities. The administration aims to ensure uninterrupted medical support during adverse weather conditions.

To strengthen emergency response capabilities, 13 fire service teams have been placed on standby across the district. Round-the-clock control rooms at both district and block levels have also been activated to coordinate rescue operations and monitor developments.

According to weather officials, Cyclone Murasu has been moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 22 kmph over the past six hours. The period between 11:30 pm Monday and 4 am Tuesday is expected to be crucial, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph near the landfall region.

The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in parts of southern and western Odisha due to the cyclone's influence.