Cyclone Murasu caused loss of ₹1,919 crore in Andhra Pradesh, estimates Chief Minister

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated on Friday that the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu is estimated at ₹1,918.5 crore according to preliminary assessments. According to a Hindustan Times report, the Chief Minister reviewed the post-cyclone situation with officials late Thursday night and instructed to accelerate relief and restoration work.

In an official press release, the Chief Minister stated, "We will visit the affected areas of Bapatla and Guntur districts to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu." He emphasised ensuring that farmers and residents face no difficulties following two consecutive cyclones, Arnab and Murasu, and stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted power and drinking water supply and the repair of damaged roads.

According to official information, a total of 8 people have died due to this cyclone, including 5 in Bapatla district, 2 in Guntur, and 1 person in Palnadu. According to preliminary assessments, agricultural crops across 1.4 lakh hectares have been damaged, affecting more than 1.8 lakh farmers. Additionally, horticultural crops across 6,749 hectares have been damaged, affecting 12,586 farmers. Officials informed the Chief Minister that it would take another 48 to 72 hours to conduct an accurate assessment of crop loss after the floodwaters recede.

Regarding houses and fishing equipment, 983 houses, 346 boats, and 220 fishing nets have been damaged. Under the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited, 871 out of 1,103 affected 11-KV feeders have been restored, and 1,493 out of 3,946 damaged electricity poles have been repaired.

The Roads and Buildings Department noted damage to 760 km of main district roads and state highways, while fallen trees at 206 identified locations have been removed. The Panchayat Raj Engineering Department stated that 74 rural roads spanning 204 km have been damaged, with the restoration cost estimated at ₹92 crore.

Regarding telecom services, 30,518 out of 31,428 towers in the state have become operational, restoring 97 per cent of services. Work is pending at some locations in Bapatla, Prakasam, and West Godavari districts. The cyclone affected 59 mandals and 649 gram panchayats, while 336 drainage blockages have been cleared. Officials are monitoring water levels in major reservoirs and canals.

The state government has allocated ₹37 crore to districts for immediate relief. 13 teams of NDRF, 11 teams of SDRF, and 390 fire personnel joined the rescue operations. Early warning messages were sent to 5.8 crore people. Cyclone Murasu crossed the Andhra coast between Nellore and Narasapur near Ongole on Tuesday.