Vijayawada — A severe cyclonic storm made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast early Tuesday, bringing widespread damage and prompting the activation of a digital grievance reporting mechanism for affected residents.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department said. Wind speeds during landfall were estimated at 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. Heavy rainfall accompanied by very strong winds lashed the Kothapatnam Beach area in Prakasam district.
The storm uprooted thousands of trees, damaged hundreds of electric poles and wrecked fishing boats across coastal Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds battered districts including Bapatla and Prakasam, damaging standing crops and inundating several areas. Several thatched houses collapsed and residents were stranded at Samatha Nagar in Ongole, Prakasam district. The statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu in the Prakasam district Collectorate premises collapsed after a large tree fell on it due to heavy rain and strong winds.
The India Meteorological Department forecast a storm surge of around 1-1.5 metres above the astronomical tide, warning that it could inundate low-lying areas along the south Andhra Pradesh coast until Tuesday morning. The maximum surge was expected over Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts before gradually subsiding.
In response to the cyclone, the Andhra Pradesh government, through its Real Time Governance Society, activated the Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance platform to enable residents to report emergencies. The helpline number 9552300009 allows residents to send 'Hi', select Services, choose Murasu Cyclone Issues, and report issues with photographs. Grievances are forwarded to concerned officials in the respective area for necessary action and resolution. The initiative aims to improve communication between citizens and the administration, support disaster response and bring local problems to the attention of the authorities.
Odisha expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas on Monday, placing five southern districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri — on high alert. Heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph also affected parts of Gajapati and Ganjam, prompting authorities to intensify preparedness measures.
The India Meteorological Department Director General said most parts of the country were likely to receive below-normal rainfall in November, while temperatures were expected to remain above normal, according to a virtual press conference.
(Reporting by [stringer/PTI/ANI], editing by [staff reporter]))
