Palnadu on high alert as Cyclone Murasu threatens heavy rain

The Palnadu district administration has been put on high alert to tackle Cyclone Murasu, with Collector Kritika Shukla directing officials to ensure that there is no loss of life or property. The cyclone's impact is expected to be significant in the district on November 2 and 3, and people have been advised to remain vigilant.Addressing district and mandal-level officials through a teleconference on Monday, the Collector said the Severe Cyclonic Storm was likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Ongole from Monday night to the early hours of Tuesday (November 3). She instructed all departments to remain prepared and take precautionary measures to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall.Officials were directed to strengthen vulnerable stretches of drains and canals with sandbags and remove obstructions, including water hyacinth, near bridges and crossings to ensure smooth water flow. The Roads and Buildings department was asked to monitor roads, bridges, culverts and causeways, install warning boards and barricades at vulnerable locations, and keep personnel and machinery ready for emergency repairs and removal of fallen trees.The Collector also instructed Irrigation officials to inspect minor irrigation tanks, their storage levels and bund strength. Electricity officials were asked to keep poles, conductors, transformers and cables ready for prompt restoration of power. Rehabilitation centres should be established with adequate facilities.Special precautions should be taken at places where municipal election votes will be counted on Tuesday to protect ballot papers from rain, she said.Meanwhile, APCPDCL has established special control rooms to address electricity-related complaints. Consumers can contact the toll-free number 1912. The Palnadu circle control room number is 7661019447, while the Macherla and Narasaraopet division numbers are 9440817531 and 9440817539 respectively. Published - November 02, 2026 07:22 pm IST