Andhra Pradesh launches WhatsApp helpline for Cyclone Murasu relief
The Real Time Governance Society has introduced the Mana Mitra platform to help citizens report emergencies and civic disruptions.
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a dedicated WhatsApp grievance mechanism to assist citizens affected by Cyclone Murasu, according to ANI on Monday.
The Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) rolled out the 'Mana Mitra' platform to allow residents in cyclone-hit areas to report emergencies such as power outages, waterlogging, uprooted trees, and collapsed walls.
Users can report issues by sending a message to 9552300009, selecting the services menu, and choosing the Murasu Cyclone Issues option to submit their details and photographs.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the cyclone to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur around midnight, with wind speeds potentially reaching 120 kmph.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi told ANI that 37 NDRF teams have been deployed across five states, including 13 teams in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Shahedi stated that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) held meetings to coordinate disaster preparedness as the storm intensified.