Andhra Pradesh on High Alert as Cyclone Murasu Approaches

Amaravati, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has issued a high alert for the state as Cyclone ‘Murasu’ is expected to make landfall on the coast tonight. During a review meeting with senior officials from the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) and district collectors, Naidu emphasized the need for robust measures to prevent loss of life and property.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to remain fully vigilant, particularly as moderate to heavy rainfall is forecasted for the southern coastal regions and Rayalaseema districts. He noted that the impact of Cyclone ‘Murasu’ is likely to be relatively limited compared to the previous cyclone, ‘Arnab,’ which struck last week. Predictions indicate that wind speeds and rainfall intensity will be lower this time.

Naidu reported that normalcy has largely returned in areas affected by Cyclone ‘Arnab.’ He reminded officials of the arrangements made from Srikakulam to Bapatla to manage the earlier cyclone’s effects and urged them to similarly prepare for ‘Murasu.’

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 31,000 electricity poles have been dispatched from Srikakulam to Krishna district. They estimate that approximately 8,000 poles in the southern coastal and Rayalaseema regions may be impacted by the winds associated with ‘Murasu.’ To assist with power restoration efforts, an additional 1,000 personnel are being sent from Chennai, with plans to deploy them across various districts including Nellore and Prakasam.

Rainfall predictions indicate that Palnadu may receive the most significant precipitation, with around 30 centimeters expected, followed by 24 centimeters in Prakasam and 19 centimeters in Markapuram. Krishna and Guntur districts may see up to 9 centimeters of rainfall, while Eluru and Nellore are also expected to receive similar amounts.

Naidu called for special attention to water management, directing officials to fill reservoirs and ponds in Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Nellore, and Markapuram, areas that have experienced rainfall deficits. He also instructed them to devise a plan for water conservation in the reservoirs of the southern coastal and Rayalaseema basins.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of safeguarding 6,800 ponds in six districts that are likely to be affected by the cyclone. He urged the activation of water user associations and emphasized the need for community participation in monitoring the condition of these ponds.

Additionally, Naidu instructed officials to utilize measures implemented under the watershed program to ensure that no ponds breach. He also called for preventive actions to prevent sediment accumulation in drains that could lead to crop flooding.

Finally, the Chief Minister mandated that post-cyclone reconstruction efforts be completed within 48 hours and stressed the urgency of expediting crop insurance compensation and input subsidy processes.