Odisha moves people out of low-lying coastal belts as Cyclone Murasu nears

2 November 2026

Odisha shifted people out of low-lying coastal areas before the landfall of Cyclone Murasu, a severe cyclonic storm.
Ganjam district alone moved 1,51,434 people to safer places, and the state reported about 1.52 lakh people shifted as relief measures were stepped up before landfall.
The India Meteorological Department expected the storm to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, with winds of 100 to 110 km an hour gusting to 120.
One team each of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and the National Disaster Response Force moved from Ganjam to Koraput, and fire service teams and earth movers were placed across the blocks.
Ninety-four pregnant women were moved to Maa Gruhas, and medical teams, drinking water and generators were arranged at the shelters.
The state was still finishing road and bridge repairs after Cyclone Arnab, which had flooded Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.
Odisha's cyclone work is run by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, which maintains the relief and shelter centres used in both events.