Andhra Pradesh officials on high alert as Cyclone Murasu nears landfall
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prioritise preventing loss of life as the storm approaches the coast.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has placed state officials on high alert as Cyclone Murasu approaches the coast, according to ANI. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kothapatnam, close to Ongole, with wind speeds predicted to reach 100–110 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department reported that the cyclone is moving west-northwest at 25 kmph and could make landfall between Nellore and Narasapur. The landfall process is expected to start around midnight on Monday and continue into the early hours of Tuesday.
During a review meeting, Naidu instructed officials to ensure no loss of life occurs and to prevent damage to property, including breaches in irrigation tanks and canals. He also directed staff at Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward offices to disseminate cyclone information at the grassroots level.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that heavy rainfall is expected in 125 mandals. Palnadu is projected to receive the highest rainfall at approximately 30 cm, followed by Prakasam with 24 cm, while Markapuram may see 19 cm. Krishna, Guntur, Eluru, and Nellore are expected to receive up to 9 cm.
Prakasam District Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan Raju stated that three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and one State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team are stationed in the district for rescue and evacuation. Additionally, 1,000 personnel are arriving from Chennai to assist with power restoration works.
The Hindu reported that Naidu also ordered officials to manage water in reservoirs and ponds across south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. He requested that post-cyclone restoration be completed within 48 hours.