Cyclone Alert / Malkangiri fishermen barred from Balimela Reservoir as Cyclone Murasu nears Andhra coast

Malkangiri, Nov 2: The Fisheries Department in Odisha’s Malkangiri district has stepped up caution for fishermen as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu moves toward the Andhra Pradesh coast raising worries about heavy rain and strong winds across southern Odisha, officials said on Monday.

According to sources, the department has been running awareness campaigns in fishing villages using public address systems. Fishermen have been cautioned about the possible dangers of the impeding storm and asked to follow the safety measures from the authorities.

Fishing Ban for Three Days

The department has asked fishermen not to venture into the Balimela reservoir for the next three days. Officials said that bad weather could make fishing very unsafe and could endanger lives.

The Chief District Fisheries Officer (CDFO) in Malkangiri issued an advisory in this regard and urged the fishermen to avoid entering the reservoir until weather conditions improve.

Cyclone Impact on Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu over the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal was centered about 120 km east‑southeast of Nellore and 160 km northeast of Chennai.

The system is expected to head and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur around midnight bringing winds of 100‑110 km/h and gusts up to 120 km/h.
While Odisha is unlikely to experience a direct landfall, many parts of the State are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly in its southern districts. Rain has already begun in parts of southern Odisha, including Malkangiri.
Also Read: Cyclone Murasu nears Andhra coast, yellow alert for five Odisha districts

Cyclone Preparedness

Meanwhile, the State Government has stepped up preparedness measures in flood-prone areas. District administrations are on alert, evacuation plans are in place wherever necessary, and the gates of the Balimela reservoir have been opened as a precautionary measure.

Officials have urged residents who depend on water-based activities for their livelihoods to remain alert and follow official advisories until the storm passes.