Cyclone Murasu: Andhra Govt Launches 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp Helpline for Rapid Relief
Andhra Pradesh introduces Mana Mitra WhatsApp helpline for immediate relief and grievance reporting as Cyclone Murasu threatens the coast.
As Cyclone Murasu intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken a bold digital step to ensure no citizen is left stranded. To provide swift assistance and streamline disaster relief, the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) has activated a dedicated grievance reporting mechanism via the Mana Mitra WhatsApp helpline.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the public and the administration, allowing residents in affected regions to report emergencies and civic disruptions in real-time, ensuring that help reaches the ground without unnecessary delays.
Reporting Emergencies via WhatsApp
Residents facing distress due to the storm can now report issues such as power outages, waterlogging, collapsed walls, and uprooted trees by messaging the official WhatsApp number: 9552300009.
The government has outlined a simple, step-by-step process for citizens to lodge their complaints:
- Step 1: Send a "Hi" to the WhatsApp number 9552300009.
- Step 2: Select the "Services" option from the provided menu.
- Step 3: Choose "Murasu Cyclone Issues" from the list.
- Step 4: Click on "Report Issue" and confirm the selection.
- Step 5: Select "Registration" and enter essential details, including name, district, and mandal.
- Step 6: Describe the specific problem in the locality and upload supporting photographs if available.
Once a report is submitted, it is routed instantly to the concerned local authorities and field officials for immediate intervention.
Cyclone Murasu: The Threat Level
The urgency of this digital helpline comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur around midnight. The storm is projected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 120 kmph.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts of Andhra Pradesh over the next 48 hours, increasing the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage.
Massive NDRF Deployment
In preparation for the landfall, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has launched a large-scale mobilization. Mohsen Shahedi, Deputy Inspector General (Ops/PRO) of the NDRF, confirmed that 37 teams have been deployed across five states to manage the crisis.
Andhra Pradesh remains the primary focus of these operations, with 13 NDRF teams already stationed in the state to tackle emergencies. Shahedi noted that high-level coordination meetings have been conducted by both the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to finalize the deployment and response strategy.
"Cyclone Murasu, which has developed in the Bay of Bengal, transformed into a severe cyclonic storm this morning... We have worked out the deployment plan," said Mohsen Shahedi.