Odisha braces for severe cyclonic storm Murasu, evacuates 1.6 million people

In its latest bulletin, the IMD said the severe cyclonic storm Murasu was moving at a speed of 25 kmph. File | Photo credit: Velankanni Raj B.

As severe cyclonic storm Murasu nears the coast of Andhra Pradesh, the government in neighboring Odisha on Monday (November 2, 2026) evacuated 1,60,021 people in five districts that are yet to return to normal after extensive damage caused by flash floods caused by heavy rains in the wake of Cyclone Arnab.

Also Read: Cyclone Murasu Live Updates 2nd November 2026

According to the preparedness report, 1,60,021 people have been evacuated from Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput and Kandhamal districts against an identified target population of 3,33,752.

Ganjam district reported the highest number of evacuations, with 1,51,434 people moved to safer places against a target of 2,94,752. In Malkangiri, 5,073 people were evacuated against a target of 10,000, while 2,394 people were moved to Kandhamal. Gajapati and Koraput districts evacuated 620 and 500 people, respectively.

As part of efforts to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, 1,068 pregnant women were moved to safer places in five districts.

Meanwhile, Ganjam and Gajapati are experiencing light to moderate rainfall while Malkangiri reported light rainfall. Very light rainfall was recorded in Koraput and Kandhamal.

Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Management Suresh Pujari said the government is prepared to face a severe cyclonic storm ‘Murasu’, which is expected to make landfall along the southern Andhra Pradesh coast on the night of November 2-3 with winds of 100 to 110 km/h and gusts of up to 120 km/h.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and the coastal Puri region are likely to be among the worst affected, Mr. Pujari said.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 12:58 IST