Andhra Pradesh officials on high alert as Cyclone Murasu approaches coast
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu have directed officials to prepare for heavy rain and floods.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu have placed officials on high alert due to Cyclone Murasu, according to reports by The Hindu, The New Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle. The administration is preparing for heavy rainfall, substantial river inflows, and potential damage to infrastructure and crops.
The Chief Minister reviewed preparedness from the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre, noting that while Murasu may be less intense than Cyclone Arnab, several districts could receive moderate to heavy rain. He directed officials to shift people in low-lying areas to shelters and issue hourly warnings. Naidu also instructed that post-cyclone restoration works must be completed within 48 hours.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu held a teleconference on Wednesday, November 4, to direct irrigation officials to monitor flood flows in rivers, streams, and reservoirs. He specifically called for the continuous monitoring of the Budameru, Errakalava, Goneruvagu, Tammileru, and Yeleru rivers. The Minister also ordered the immediate draining of rainwater from agricultural fields to prevent crop damage.
The Prakasam Barrage has had all 70 gates opened, releasing 71,000 cusecs into the Krishna river. The barrage may receive a peak inflow of 2.75 lakh cusecs on November 4. Additionally, the Budameru catchment was expected to receive an inflow of approximately 30,000 cusecs on Tuesday.
Officials have dispatched 31,000 electricity poles from Srikakulam to Krishna district, as nearly 8,000 poles in South Coastal and Rayalaseema districts could be affected. To assist with power restoration, 5,000 personnel have been deployed, with another 1,000 arriving from Chennai.