Weather Alert / Cyclone Murasu weakens, but floodwaters disrupt life across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Even as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu weakened after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast, several parts of Odisha continued to grapple with flood-related distress, damaged infrastructure and ongoing rescue operations triggered by heavy rainfall.

According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Odisha is unlikely to witness any major impact from Cyclone Murasu.

"There is no possibility of any significant impact of Cyclone Murasu on Odisha. However, a few places in the state may experience light to moderate rainfall and partly cloudy skies. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Malkangiri and Koraput districts," she said.

Also read: Odisha deploys top bureaucrats to speed up relief and damage assessment

The weather office reported that Pathrapur in Ganjam district recorded the highest rainfall of 43 mm during the last 24 hours. Rainfall activity is expected to decrease significantly from November 5, while weather conditions are likely to remain largely dry on November 6, 7 and 8.

Officials said there will be no major change in daytime temperatures, though mercury levels may rise by 1-2 degrees Celsius over the next two days. Night temperatures in coastal districts are expected to remain 2-5 degrees below normal, bringing a noticeable winter chill.

Cyclone Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday. At landfall, it packed winds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph. Meteorologists said the system has been weakening steadily and is likely to downgrade into a cyclonic storm by afternoon and further into a deep depression by midnight.

Floodwaters Leave Trail of Destruction

While the cyclone spared Odisha from major damage, floodwaters have disrupted normal life in several areas.

The Purusottampur Tehsil Office in Ganjam district witnessed severe flooding, with nearly 4.5 feet of water entering the office premises. Though floodwaters have receded, they left behind mud-filled rooms and stacks of soaked documents.

Government records, files and important documents were submerged, prompting officials to launch emergency efforts to save them.

Authorities are currently drying documents using fans in open spaces to minimise damage. Officials said restoration work is being carried out on a war footing to safeguard official records and resume public services at the earliest.

Villages Hit Hard, Rescue Efforts Intensify

In another flood-hit locality, nine houses reportedly collapsed after floodwaters entered residential areas. Elderly residents trapped inside their homes were rescued by local administration and shifted to relief shelters.

Meanwhile, massive rescue operations are continuing at Gidipabali village in Kandhamal district, where landslides and boulder movement created challenging conditions.

Director General of Fire Services said rescue teams have been working continuously for four days. "The boulders are as big as houses. Even the railway chain-pulling technique failed. Controlled blasting was attempted, but the rocks did not break. Fresh efforts with the support of the Mining Department are underway," he said.

Two people have been rescued safely so far, while 11 persons remain missing. Officials said the outcome of the ongoing operation may become clearer by evening.

Among the 13 people rescued from Gidipabali, two women who fell ill are undergoing treatment at Udayagiri CHC and are presently stable.

Other displaced residents have been accommodated at a temporary shelter set up at Kilapanga School under Katingia Gram Panchayat, where district authorities are overseeing food and relief arrangements.