Representational image.

The administrations of SPSR Nellore, Tirupati and Prakasam districts have stepped up precautionary and relief measures ahead of cyclone Murasu, which is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds along the coast.

SPSR Nellore district has been experiencing light to moderate rainfall and strong winds since Monday morning. District collector Himanshu Shukla declared a holiday on Tuesday, November 3, for all government, private and aided schools, Anganwadi centres, and government and private junior colleges.

The collector said adequate stocks of fuel and essential commodities were available in the district. As of Monday, the stocks included 1,710 kilolitres of petrol, 2,832 kilolitres of diesel and 21,385 LPG cylinders. Fair price shops had 10,832 metric tonnes of rice and 374.727 metric tonnes of sugar.

He urged people not to panic or make bulk purchases based on rumours and warned of action against artificial shortages and overpricing.

In Tirupati district, collector Dr S. Venkateswar, superintendent of police L. Subbarayudu and other senior officials reviewed preparedness through a teleconference. Officials were directed to monitor tank water levels, alert residents in low-lying areas, clear fallen trees from roads and promptly restore damaged power lines.

Fishermen were warned against venturing into the sea, while National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams were asked to remain ready for rescue operations. Medical teams were instructed to stock essential medicines.

In Prakasam district, joint collector Kalpana Kumari and Ongole RDO T. Chandrasekhar Naidu inspected Pakala Beach and a rehabilitation centre. The Joint Collector warned fishermen against going to sea until the cyclone subsided and directed officials to secure boats and fishing nets.

Authorities were also instructed to move people from low-lying areas and vulnerable houses to safer locations. Relief centres were asked to ensure adequate food, drinking water and generator-backed power supply.

Meanwhile, APSPDCL director (projects) P. Ayub Khan said around 2,000 personnel, 7,000 electricity poles, 125 digging machines and 115 generator sets had been kept ready to deal with possible power disruptions.

The district administrations have directed all departments to remain on high alert and coordinate relief and emergency response measures to protect lives and property.

Electricity control rooms have been established in Prakasam district. Consumers can contact the following numbers for assistance:

Prakasam Circle: 9440817491

Addanki Division: 9490611613

Ongole Division: 9440817495

Darsi Division: 9491065264

Kandukur Division: 9491052950

Toll-free helpline: 1912

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