Chandrababu Reviews Cyclone Murasu Preparedness

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held another teleconference with officials to review preparedness for Cyclone Murasu and assess the situation in the affected districts. Officials informed him that the cyclone was likely to cross the coast near Kothapatnam, close to Ongole, in the early hours of the morning. Winds of around 100–110 kmph are expected during landfall. The Chief Minister enquired about rainfall and wind conditions in Nellore, Prakasam and the Kothapatnam coastal region. Officials reported light showers in Nellore, moderate rainfall in Ongole and drizzle near Kothapatnam. Chandrababu directed the administration to ensure that people in vulnerable areas remain indoors until the cyclone crosses the coast. He stressed that preventing loss of life must be the top priority.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to take steps to minimise property damage and prevent breaches in canals and tanks. Staff from Swarna Gram and Swarna Ward offices should ensure that warnings and safety information reach people at the grassroots level. He asked electricity department personnel to remain alert and carry out restoration work promptly in case of fallen power poles or supply disruptions. Referring to the experience during Cyclone Arnab, he urged officials to ensure that no lives are lost during the current storm. Officials forecast that rainfall could intensify the following day, with average rainfall estimates of 263 mm in NTR district, 242 mm in Guntur, 146 mm in Bapatla and 143 mm in Palnadu. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Krishna, Prakasam, Eluru and West Godavari districts, with around 125 mandals likely to receive heavy rain.