India Accelerates Evacuation to Prepare for Cyclone Moorsuu, Second Cyclone in One Week - Thairath English
Indian authorities began evacuating residents along the eastern coast starting 2 November to prepare for Cyclone Moorsuu, expected to make landfall in the early hours of 3 November. The area is still recovering from damage caused by Cyclone Aranb, which struck last week and resulted in at least six fatalities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that Cyclone Moorsuu formed from a strong low-pressure area in the southern to central-western Bay of Bengal before intensifying into a cyclone. It is expected to move ashore in Andhra Pradesh during the early hours of 3 November.
The cyclone may strengthen into a very severe storm with wind speeds of 100-110 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 120 km/h. Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in southeastern India are likely to be hardest hit.
Prakhar Chen, Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, told Reuters that about 2,000 people have already been evacuated, with ongoing efforts aiming to relocate approximately 30,000 residents to safe locations.
Data from Andhra Pradesh's Disaster Management Authority indicates that the cyclone is expected to make landfall near the city of Ongole. Six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and seven teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed across vulnerable areas, including Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Palnadu, and Tirupati districts, with additional personnel ready if needed.
Meanwhile, the neighboring state of Odisha continues its relief and recovery operations following Cyclone Aranb. The death toll has risen to six after officials found two more bodies in villages affected by landslides; ten people remain missing.
Officials reported that the village of Kidipabali, located on a hill near the border of Ganjam and Ganjam districts, houses about 26 residents and was completely damaged by landslides and debris from the mountains. At least 13 survivors have been evacuated to relief centers.
Odisha's special relief officials said Cyclone Aranb and subsequent flooding have affected approximately 118,000 people, damaged 75,388 hectares of crops, and destroyed 1,672 houses. The Ganjam and Ganjam districts suffered the most severe impacts.
Odisha is also accelerating restoration of the power system in affected areas, mobilizing over 6,400 personnel to assist residents and prepare for the incoming Cyclone Moorsuu.
The Odisha government has announced relief measures for families affected by flooding in the southern region, providing each household with 50 kilograms of rice and financial aid of 2,500 Indian rupees (approximately 900 baht), as well as compensation for crop, house, and livelihood losses.
Mohan Jarna Maji, Chief Minister of Odisha, stated that the government has intensified preparedness measures for the new cyclone, ordered evacuation from low-lying and high-risk hilly areas, and closed schools and colleges in southern districts until 3 November.
Additionally, high-level warnings have been issued for the southern parts of the state, particularly in Ganjam district, which suffered heavy damage from Cyclone Aranb. Fishermen have been prohibited from going to sea, and disaster response teams remain on standby.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts that Odisha will begin receiving rain from 2 November, with heavier rainfall expected on 3 November continuing through 4 November due to Cyclone Moorsuu's influence.
Cyclone Moorsuu, meaning 'war drum' in Tamil, is the name India has proposed for this new storm. The Indian government and local agencies continue to closely monitor the situation to prevent loss of life and minimize impact on residents in vulnerable areas.
.sourceThe Hindu.NDTV.Hindustan Times
