Cyclone Murasu Devastates Andhra Pradesh, Claims Lives and Causes Massive Damage

Cyclone Murasu has caused extensive damage across Andhra Pradesh, claiming eight lives and resulting in estimated losses of Rs. 1,918.55 crore. The fatalities include five people from Bapatla district, two from Guntur district and one from Palnadu district. The cyclone, which crossed the coast on Tuesday, damaged agricultural crops across 1,43,122 hectares, affecting 1,86,063 farmers. Horticultural crops spread across 6,749 hectares were also damaged, impacting another 12,586 farmers. In addition, 983 houses, 346 fishing boats and 220 fishing nets were destroyed.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the post-cyclone situation with officials on Thursday and assessed the damage to agriculture, electricity, municipal administration and rural infrastructure. Officials informed him that an accurate assessment of crop losses would take another 48 to 72 hours after floodwaters recede. The Chief Minister directed departments to prioritise the restoration of electricity, roads and drinking water supplies. Of the 3,946 damaged electricity poles, 1,493 have been restored. The Roads and Buildings Department reported damage to 760.10 kilometres of major district and state highways, while 74 rural roads covering 204.14 kilometres were damaged, with restoration estimated to cost Rs. 92.08 crore. Chandrababu Naidu also announced that he would personally visit the affected areas on Friday to assess the situation.