Bapatla administration gears up to tackle Cyclone Murasu

The Bapatla district administration has stepped up preparedness to tackle Cyclone Murasu, with heavy rainfall expected across the district and substantial inflows from neighbouring Guntur, Palnadu, Prakasam and Markapuram regions. District Collector Dr. Vinod Kumar V. has directed officials to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property.

Addressing a press conference at the Chirala Municipal Office on Sunday (November 1, 2026), the Collector said the cyclone was likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Ongole between Monday (November 2, 2026) night and the early hours of Tuesday (November 3, 2026). He directed all departments to remain alert and coordinate their response to the impending weather conditions.

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Rainfall of 100 mm to 120 mm was expected in Chirala and mandals adjoining the erstwhile Prakasam district, while heavy rain was likely across the district up to Repalle. The Collector urged people to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety advisories issued by the authorities.

He said heavy rainfall was also expected in Guntur, Palnadu, Markapuram and Prakasam regions. Rainwater from these areas would flow through drains and canals across Bapatla district before reaching the sea, increasing the pressure on the district’s drainage network.

Consequently, the administration and residents should remain vigilant not only during the two days of heavy rainfall but also for the next four to five days, he cautioned.

As part of the preventive measures, officials were strengthening vulnerable stretches of drains and canals with sandbags. Other obstructions near bridges and crossings were being removed using machinery to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater and prevent flooding.