Andhra Pradesh prepares for impact of cyclone Murasu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his Delhi visit to review cyclone preparedness as the storm approaches the coast.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the potential impact of cyclone Murasu on Sunday, cancelling a scheduled visit to Delhi. According to The Hawk, the Chief Minister met with senior officials to discuss rainfall, wind forecasts, and the status of water reservoirs in view of the looming threat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone alert for the Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts. The storm, which intensified from a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, was expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole between the midnight of November 2 and the early morning of November 3.
The New Indian Express reported that the cyclone was moving at 13 kmph and was centred near Kavali and Nellore. Wind speeds during landfall were expected to reach 100 to 120 kmph, with authorities warning of possible storm surges in Bapatla and Krishna districts.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha held a teleconference with district collectors to review relief arrangements and directed officials to remain on high alert for 48 hours. The state government has released Rs 37 crore to 17 districts for cyclone relief operations and emergency expenditure.
The funds include Rs 3 crore each for Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla, Guntur, and Krishna districts. Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR, Palnadu, Tirupati, Chittoor, and Nandyal will receive Rs 2 crore each, while Kadapa, Sri Sathya Sai, and Annamayya districts have been allocated Rs 1 crore each.