Prakasam district on high alert as Murasu cyclone approaches - The HinduPublished - November 02, 2026 08:37 pm IST - ONGOLEWith Cyclone Murasu approaching and sea waves intensifying, fishermen park their boats on higher ground near the seashore at Palepalem, near Kothapatnam, on Monday. | Photo Credit: KOMMURI SRINIVASPrakasam district administration has stepped up precautionary measures to tackle Cyclone Murasu, with senior IAS officer and district special officer Ranjit Basha stressing the need for preparedness, swift response, and coordination among departments to minimize loss of life and property.At a review meeting at Prakasam Bhavan on Monday (November 2, 2026), Mr. Basha, along with Collector P. Rajababu, and Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari, reviewed the preparedness of various departments. He directed officials to divert rainwater into minor irrigation tanks and remove hoardings installed at elevated locations in view of the forecast of strong winds on Tuesday (November 3).The Collector said that 26 villages and 72 habitations in coastal mandals had been identified as highly vulnerable, and 70 cyclone relief centres established. Two earthmovers and five tractors had been kept ready in every village. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, elderly persons, and children have been shifted to safer locations.The administration also arranged 1,000 electricity poles, repair workers, and generators to restore the power supply. November ration supplies are being distributed through fair-price shops, with buffer stocks maintained for additional requirements. A toll-free control room has been established at the Collectorate. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed.Meanwhile, Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari, accompanied by Ongole RDO Chandrasekhar Naidu, inspected the Kothapatnam beach and relief centre. She warned fishermen against venturing into the sea until the cyclone weakened and directed officials to recall those already at sea through radio communication.She also instructed officials to shift families living in low-lying areas, thatched houses, and huts to safer shelters. Relief centres should provide safe drinking water, quality food, uninterrupted power, and medical services, with special medical camps and generators arranged.Ms. Kumari advised fishermen to secure their boats and nets, urged people to follow official warnings and avoid rumours, and said police, revenue officials and disaster response teams would remain available round the clock.Published - November 02, 2026 08:37 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }