Cyclone Murasu: TTD Makes Special Arrangements to Ensure Pilgrim Safety at Tirumala

As severe Cyclone Murasu approached the Andhra Pradesh coast, the India Meteorological Department and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reported that the storm had begun crossing the coast near Ongole in Prakasam district early in the morning. Strong winds of around 110–120 kmph were reported along the coast, while heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning affected parts of South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. In view of the weather conditions, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) stepped up precautionary measures to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine. TTD Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkayya Chowdary held a review meeting with officials from various departments at the Padmavathi Guest House in Tirumala. He directed them to ensure that queues did not extend outside unnecessarily and that the distribution of Anna Prasadam continued without disruption. Officials were also asked to facilitate quicker darshan and arrange tarpaulins wherever necessary to protect pilgrims during food distribution.

The Additional EO also instructed electricity and engineering officials to remain alert and promptly resolve any power supply issues. Special attention was directed towards identifying locations along the ghat roads where falling rocks could pose a risk and strengthening safety measures on both the uphill and downhill routes. Medical personnel were asked to remain available and provide immediate assistance to pilgrims whenever required. He stressed coordination among all departments to ensure that devotees could complete their darshan and return to their destinations safely. TTD Chief Engineer Manoharam, SE Venugopal, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kusuma Kumari and Anna Prasadam Deputy EO Rajendra attended the meeting.