98 Pregnant Women Shifted to Hospitals Ahead of Cyclone Murasu

The Guntur district administration has shifted 98 pregnant women to hospitals as a precautionary measure ahead of severe cyclonic storm Murasu, which is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region.

Guntur district collector C.M. Saikanth Varma said on Monday that 233 pregnant women had been identified across the district. The remaining women would also be shifted to hospitals at the earliest to avoid last-minute emergencies, he said.

The administration has identified 17 villages vulnerable to inundation and kept 64 relief centres ready for evacuations, if necessary. In Guntur and other municipal areas, 21 vulnerable colonies have been identified and 19 relief centres prepared to accommodate affected residents.

Weather forecasts indicate heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by winds of around 55 kmph or more. The RTGS has forecast rainfall of 2.50 cm on Monday and 3.50 cm on Tuesday.

The collector said holidays had been declared for Anganwadi centres, schools and junior colleges on Monday. He urged parents to prevent children from entering rivers, canals, tanks and other water bodies and cautioned people against fishing during the adverse weather.

He also advised residents to stay away from dilapidated buildings, weakened walls and trees. Livestock owners were asked not to shelter animals under trees or in unsafe sheds.

The water resources, roads and buildings, fire services and Disaster Management departments have been directed to remain on high alert and monitor the situation continuously. The Medical and Health, Water Supply and Civil Supplies departments have also been instructed to ensure essential services and respond swiftly to emergencies.

The collector appealed to people to remain vigilant and follow the administration's safety advisories.