Cyclone Murasu Damages Crops in Coastal Andhra

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed concern over the heavy agricultural losses caused by successive cyclones in the coastal region. On Friday, he conducted an aerial survey of the areas affected by Cyclone Murasu while travelling to Bapatla and Guntur districts. After landing at Suryalanka Air Force Station, he visited the Jillelamudi bridge area in Bapatla mandal and inspected a damaged drain. He also sought details from irrigation department officials about the breaches. Later, he travelled to Returu village in Kakumanu mandal of Guntur district, where he inspected waterlogged paddy fields and interacted with affected farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandrababu Naidu said farmers in Guntur, Prakasam and Bapatla districts had suffered severe losses due to the cyclone. He said the government was assessing the damage caused by Cyclones Arnab and Murasu and had been regularly updating the Centre, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also seeking details. Assuring assistance to every affected person, he said the government would work until relief reached the last affected farmer. He also promised a permanent solution to the Nallamada drain problem and stressed the need for better water management and water security. Pointing out that coastal districts were battling cyclones while Rayalaseema was facing El Niño-related drought conditions, he said the government was giving priority to addressing both challenges.