Keep rescue and relief teams ready, orders HM

Amaravati: Home and disaster management minister Vangalapudi Anitha said the state government was continuously monitoring the situation in view of severe cyclonic storm Murasu and had directed officials to remain on high alert for the next 48 hours.

The minister held a teleconference with collectors of cyclone-affected districts and instructed them to take all precautionary measures and ensure that relief and rescue arrangements were in place. She said heavy to very heavy rainfall was likely in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts on Monday night and Tuesday. According to an update shared by RTGS CEO and APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain, the cyclone was likely to cross the coast near Ongole between midnight and early Tuesday morning. The minister directed collectors of southern coastal and Rayalaseema districts to take all necessary steps to prevent loss of life and property. Strong winds reaching speeds of 100–110 kmph were likely during landfall, she said, asking field-level officials to remain vigilant.

Anitha instructed officials to remove vulnerable trees near power lines in advance and ensure the speedy restoration of electricity and mobile network services in case of disruptions. She cautioned people against touching snapped electric wires and advised them to immediately inform authorities about hazardous situations.

The minister directed officials to alert fishermen and ensure that nobody ventured into the sea for fishing. Fishermen who had returned to shore were advised to keep their boats and fishing nets in safe locations. Officials were also asked to keep rescue teams and relief arrangements ready in vulnerable areas.

Vanitha said the State Disaster Management Authority and RTGS were jointly monitoring the cyclone’s movement. She urged people to follow official warnings, avoid believing rumours and unverified social media messages, and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

People can seek assistance through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp number 9552300009. For emergency support, they can contact 112, 1070 or 18004250101.

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