Chandrababu Naidu reviews preparedness for Cyclone Murasu; 13–15 TMC inflows expected into key projects

The Chief Minister held a review meeting with senior officials and district collectors through the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), assessing the preparedness measures and response mechanisms being put in place in vulnerable districts.

Officials warned that moderate to heavy rainfall was likely across South Coastal Andhra, adjoining districts and parts of Rayalaseema. They also alerted the government to the possibility of increased inflows into the Nagarjuna Sagar and Pulichintala projects due to rainfall in their catchment areas. Inflows of approximately 13–15 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) were expected, officials informed the Chief Minister.

Naidu noted that several areas affected by the previous cyclone had returned to normalcy and stressed that the administration should be fully prepared to manage the impact of Murasu. Officials assessed that the present storm was likely to have a comparatively lower impact, but the Chief Minister called for vigilance and prompt response arrangements.

A major concern discussed during the meeting was the possibility of damage to electricity infrastructure. Officials estimated that strong winds could affect as many as 8,000 electricity poles across South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts. The Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to remain prepared for immediate restoration of power supply in the event of damage.

Naidu also instructed officials to make effective use of the expected rainfall to replenish reservoirs, tanks and other water bodies. He specifically called for efficient water management in Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Nellore, Markapuram and other districts, with an emphasis on storing available water and ensuring that inflows were managed safely.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for close coordination among district administrations and relevant departments to protect people, safeguard infrastructure and minimise disruption to essential services.

The India Meteorological Department's forecast indicated that Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu was likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, from late Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday, with wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph.