Naidu orders officials to prepare for Cyclone Murasu in Andhra Pradesh
The Chief Minister directed administration to complete post-cyclone restoration works within 48 hours as a severe storm approaches the coast.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday instructed officials to prepare for relief and rescue operations as Cyclone Murasu approaches the state. According to reports from The Hindu and Telangana Today, the Chief Minister held a review meeting at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) to discuss preparedness for the storm, which is expected to cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of November 3.
The Chief Minister stated that the impact of Murasu would likely be limited, with wind speeds and rainfall intensity expected to be lower than Cyclone Arnab. However, he ordered officials to remain alert for heavy rains and gales. ThePrint reported that wind speeds could reach 110 kmph during landfall, with the system expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by November 2.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that Palnadu district could see up to 30 cm of rainfall, while Prakasam may receive 24 cm and Markapuram 19 cm. Krishna, Guntur, Eluru, and Nellore are also expected to receive significant rainfall. To manage water, Naidu directed officials to fill reservoirs and tanks in the south coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions and to ensure no tank breaches occur under the Jaladhara programme.
Regarding infrastructure, officials noted that 31,000 electricity poles have been sent to the field. While some estimates suggest 8,000 poles in south coastal and Rayalaseema districts could be affected, ThePrint cited preliminary estimates of 15,128 poles across 12 districts being at risk. Additionally, 1,000 personnel from Chennai are arriving to assist with power restoration in districts including Nellore and Prakasam.
Naidu directed that post-cyclone restoration must be finished within 48 hours and urged the quick processing of crop insurance and subsidies. He also requested that officials issue situation bulletins every four hours and instructed telecom operators to take precautions to prevent signal disruptions.