A rapidly intensifying weather system over the Bay of Bengal has evolved into Cyclonic Storm Murasu, prompting authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to activate emergency response mechanisms amid forecasts that the storm could strengthen further into a severe cyclonic system before making landfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone, which developed from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm before strengthening further into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
According to IMD projections, Cyclone Murasu is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between midnight and the early hours of Tuesday, packing sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.
The weather agency has issued a red alert for Coastal Andhra Pradesh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds that could disrupt transportation, power supply and normal life in vulnerable coastal districts.
An orange alert has also been issued for Rayalaseema, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, where very heavy rainfall is expected. Heavy precipitation is also forecast over parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Mahe and South Interior Karnataka during the next two days.
As sea conditions deteriorate, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal, cautioning that rough seas and strong winds could pose serious risks to small vessels.
With memories of recent severe weather events still fresh, the Andhra Pradesh government has moved swiftly to bolster preparedness measures. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the evolving situation and directed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure seamless coordination among disaster management, police, health and revenue agencies.
Authorities have deployed six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units in vulnerable districts. Emergency control rooms have become operational, while officials have begun evacuating residents from low-lying and flood-prone areas as a precautionary measure.
Local administrations have urged fishermen to remain ashore and advised residents to closely follow official weather bulletins. Emergency helplines, including 112 and 1070, have been activated to provide immediate assistance during the cyclone’s passage.
The approaching storm marks yet another reminder of the Bay of Bengal’s status as one of the world’s most active cyclone basins, where rapidly intensifying storms frequently test the disaster-response capabilities of India’s eastern coastal states. With Cyclone Murasu expected to gather further strength before landfall, authorities are focusing on early evacuations and preparedness to minimise loss of life and property.
