Severe cyclonic storm ‘Murasu’ approaches Andhra Pradesh coast with 110 kmph winds. State government releases Rs 37 crore for immediate rescue and relief across 17 districts as coastal belts brace for midnight landfall near Ongole.
With severe cyclonic storm ‘Murasu’ advancing rapidly toward the Andhra Pradesh coastline packing sustained wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, the state government on Monday sanctioned an emergency fund of Rs 37 crore to orchestrate comprehensive rescue and relief operations across vulnerable regions.
The Revenue (Disaster Management) Department issued formal government orders delegating financial resources to 17 district administrations. The allocations are earmarked to cover immediate operational expenditures, logistics, and civic relief as coastal districts prepare for the storm’s direct impact.
District-Level Fund Allocation and Administration
To ensure a targeted and efficient disaster response, the government classified the 17 identified districts into three tiers based on projected vulnerability and geographical exposure:
Tier 1 (Rs 3 Crore Each): Sanctioned for six critical coastal districts situated directly along the storm’s primary path.
Tier 2 (Rs 2 Crore Each): Sanctioned for eight adjoining districts expected to encounter intense precipitation, gales, and flooding.
Tier 3 (Rs 1 Crore Each): Sanctioned for three peripheral districts placed on standby to manage auxiliary relief operations.
The funding structure was initiated following an urgent proposal submitted by the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA). The authority requested permission under Treasury Rule TR27, empowering District Collectors and District Magistrates to draw funds instantly without procedural delays. This mechanism facilitates rapid mass evacuations, operation of temporary rehabilitation shelters, provision of cooked meals, safe drinking water, essential pharmaceutical supplies, backup generator fuel, and emergency restoration of disconnected civic utilities.
Cyclone Trajectory and Anticipated Landfall
According to late Monday situational bulletins released by the APSDMA, the center of Cyclone ‘Murasu’ was tracked approximately 80 kilometers from Nellore, 80 kilometers from Kavali, 110 kilometers from Ongole, and 170 kilometers from Machilipatnam.
Meteorological models indicate that the severe cyclonic storm will make landfall along the coastal belt near Ongole between late Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday.
The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre warned that an astronomical storm surge measuring 1.5 to 2 meters above normal sea levels is very likely to inundate low-lying agricultural fields and residential habitats across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the landfall window.
Weather Warnings and Safety Advisories
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by localized squalls, has been forecast across several coastal and interior districts. West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu face severe rainfall warnings. Concurrently, Prakasam, Markapuram, and Nellore are projected to witness intense downpours capable of inducing flash flooding and waterlogging.
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain issued a public advisory urging residents in threatened districts to remain indoors until the system weakens post-landfall. Citizens have been instructed to steer clear of uprooted vegetation, sagging electrical lines, and damaged utility poles to prevent electrocution hazards. Coastal fishermen have been placed under strict orders prohibiting any marine activity.
Major shipping hubs have hoisted high-level maritime danger warnings:
Great Danger Signal 10 (GD-10): Hoisted at Nizampatnam Port and Vadarevu Harbour.
Danger Signal 9: Hoisted at Machilipatnam Port.
Danger Signal 8: Issued for Krishnapatnam Port.
Transport Disruption and Cumulative Impact
The cyclonic disturbance has caused severe transportation disruptions throughout the state. Aviation authorities reported the cancellation of at least 19 domestic flights on Monday. Vijayawada Airport suspended 12 scheduled flights, Visakhapatnam Airport halted four services, and Tirupati Airport cancelled three. Several train routes passing through the south coastal corridor were also diverted or terminated prematurely as a precautionary safety measure.
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This weather system marks the second major cyclonic shock to hit Andhra Pradesh within a single week. On October 28, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ crossed the coastline near Narsapur with winds peaking at 150 kmph, causing seven fatalities and generating extensive infrastructure destruction. Preliminary state assessments calculated overall losses from Cyclone Arnab at Rs 4,600 crore, after thousands of acres of standing crops were ruined and critical power networks were dismantled. State machinery remains under double mobilization to mitigate further structural and economic damage as Murasu crosses the coast.
