Cyclone Murasu Alert: CM Naidu Orders High Alert as Storm Nears AP Coast
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu orders high alert as Cyclone Murasu nears Kothapatnam with wind speeds up to 110 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Murasu landfall, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu placing state officials on high alert to ensure zero casualties. The storm is projected to hit the coast near Kothapatnam, situated close to Ongole, with the landfall expected during the early hours of Tuesday.
Wind Speeds and Rainfall Predictions
During a high-level teleconference to review the administration's readiness, the Chief Minister was briefed that Cyclone Murasu could bring wind speeds ranging between 100 and 110 kmph. While the wind speeds are expected to be lower than those seen during the previous Cyclone Arnab, the threat of heavy precipitation remains severe.
Officials have warned of extremely heavy rainfall across several mandals, with 125 mandals specifically identified as high-risk areas. Current reports indicate light drizzle in Nellore and near Kothapatnam, while Ongole has already recorded moderate rainfall.
Chief Minister's Directives: Priority on Human Life
CM Chandrababu Naidu has made it clear that preventing any loss of life is the administration's absolute priority. Recalling the fatalities that occurred during Cyclone Arnab despite safety measures, he stressed that such tragedies must not be repeated.
The Chief Minister issued the following mandates:
- Public Safety: Residents in severely affected areas must stay indoors until the storm has completely crossed the coast.
- Grassroots Communication: Staff at Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward offices must ensure that critical cyclone updates reach every citizen at the village and ward levels.
- Infrastructure Protection: Officials must take all necessary precautions to prevent breaches in irrigation tanks and canals to minimize property damage.
- Power Restoration: The electricity department has been ordered to stay on high alert for the immediate repair of damaged power poles and the swift restoration of supply.
Ground Readiness in Prakasam District
The security and rescue apparatus is fully mobilized in the most vulnerable zones. Prakasam District Superintendent of Police, Harshavardhan Raju, confirmed that the police are fully prepared for large-scale evacuation and rescue operations.
To manage the crisis, the following resources have been deployed in Prakasam district:
- Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
- One team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
- Dedicated communication networks installed in the most affected villages.
- JCB machines and proclainers positioned to clear roads of debris and fallen trees.
The police are also monitoring highway traffic and have designated holding areas to ensure safety during heavy downpours. Coordination is being managed through a command and control center at the collectorate, supplemented by a 24/7 control room at the police headquarters.
Midnight Inspections and Regional Impact
In Ongole, District Collector P Rajababu conducted a surprise midnight inspection of the Command Control Room. He urged the public to remain vigilant and instructed officials to prioritize the restoration of electricity in Kothapatnam and the immediate clearing of fallen trees to maintain traffic flow.
The influence of Cyclone Murasu is already being felt beyond Andhra Pradesh. The outer rain bands of the storm have begun affecting North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where continuous rainfall since midnight has disrupted normal life.