Cyclone Murasu Hits Andhra: Amit Shah Assures Full Centre Support as Rescue Ops Intensify
Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks with CM Naidu as NDRF and SDRF teams lead rescue operations following Cyclone Murasu's landfall.
As Andhra Pradesh grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Murasu rescue operations, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stepped in to ensure the state has every resource necessary to manage the crisis. On Tuesday, the Home Minister held a detailed conversation with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to assess the damage and coordinate a swift response to the natural disaster.
Centre Pledges Unwavering Support
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Amit Shah emphasized that the Government of India is standing firmly with the people of Andhra Pradesh. He confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are already deployed on the ground, working tirelessly to provide relief to those hit hardest by the storm.
“Spoke with the CM of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu, about the impact of Cyclone Murasu. Assured him of every possible assistance from the Centre. NDRF and SDRF teams are already on the ground, helping those affected. Govt of India stands with people with an unwavering resolve,” Shah stated.
Inter-State Solidarity: Karnataka Joins the Effort
In a significant gesture of regional cooperation, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that his state is sending specialized teams to Andhra Pradesh. These teams are tasked with assisting in both the immediate relief efforts and the long-term restoration of infrastructure damaged by the cyclone.
Chief Minister Naidu expressed his deep appreciation for this move, stating that the timely support from Karnataka and its people during this hour of need would not be forgotten.
The Path of Destruction: Meteorological Details
The severity of the storm was highlighted by data from the Andhra Pradesh Meteorological Department. Director K Nagaratna reported that Cyclone Murasu crossed the southern coastline between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM, moving in a north-northwest direction at a speed of 8 kmph.
Key Impact Zones and Weather Data:
- Wind Speeds: Gusty winds were recorded between 100 to 110 kmph, with peaks reaching up to 120 kmph.
- Proximity to Cities: The cyclone's center was located approximately 30 km from Ongole, 50 km from Kavali, 70 km from Bapatla, 100 km from Nellore, and 140 km from Machilipatnam.
- Landfall: The system was expected to cross the coast near Ongole.
Red Alerts and Safety Warnings
Authorities have issued a Red Alert for several districts, including Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Markapuram, and Prakasam. Residents in these areas have been urged to remain extremely vigilant due to the expectation of heavy rainfall.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Department has issued a strict advisory for the fishing community, warning them not to venture into the sea until November 4 to avoid the dangers posed by the turbulent waters and lingering storm effects.