Shah assures Andhra Pradesh assistance after Cyclone Murasu landfall
Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised central support to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu as relief operations continue.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah telephoned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday to assure the state of all possible assistance from the Centre following Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu. According to The Pioneer, Shah stated that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are already deployed in affected areas to support residents and carry out relief operations.
The cyclone crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur between 3.30 am and 5.30 am on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department reported winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. The system hit coastal regions with heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing damage to infrastructure, electricity poles, and standing crops in as many as 15 districts.
Chief Minister Naidu briefed Shah on the situation, noting that Murasu followed immediately after Cyclone Arnab. Naidu detailed property and crop damage across several districts and requested sufficient aid to manage the impact of both systems. He thanked the Union Home Minister for the immediate support, including a central team sent to assess damage from Arnab.
Over 1.75 lakh people have been affected by the storm, with 171 relief centres sheltering more than 10,000 people. Initial assessments reported no major casualties. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that teams from his state are en route to assist with relief and restoration efforts.
Shivakumar stated that Karnataka is deploying 500 skilled workers and equipment to help expedite the restoration of electricity supply. Naidu expressed his gratitude to the Karnataka Chief Minister and the people of Karnataka for their support during the crisis.