Cyclone Murasu has caused an estimated damage of Rs 2,484.43 crore across Andhra Pradesh, affecting nearly 1.94 lakh people in 106 mandals and 315 villages. A visiting Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is currently assessing the damage to infrastructure, agriculture and residential properties to determine the extent of losses and the State's requirements for additional assistance.
The preliminary damage estimates, compiled up to November 12, were presented to the Central team during a review meeting at the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) office in Vijayawada. State officials briefed the team on the cyclone's impact and the relief, rehabilitation and restoration activities undertaken by the government.
The Central team appreciated the State government's response to the disaster, particularly the restoration of electricity, mobile connectivity and road transportation within two days of the cyclone. The contribution of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in rescue and relief operations was also acknowledged.
Roads and Agriculture Record Major Losses
According to the preliminary assessment, the Roads and Buildings Department reported the highest damage at Rs 889 crore. The Agriculture Department followed with estimated losses of Rs 875 crore.
Other departments also reported significant damage. The Horticulture Department estimated losses of Rs 337 crore, followed by the Irrigation Department at Rs 136 crore, Panchayat Raj Engineering Department at Rs 119 crore and Electricity Department at Rs 54 crore.
The cyclone affected agricultural crops spread across 1.43 lakh hectares, while horticultural crops suffered damage across another 6,756 hectares. Officials also reported damage to 3,859 houses and approximately 1,385 kilometres of roads.
Prakasam, Bapatla, Guntur, Krishna, NTR, West Godavari and Eluru are among the districts identified as severely affected by the cyclone.
More Than 31,000 People Receive Shelter
The Andhra Pradesh government established 536 rehabilitation camps to provide temporary accommodation to 31,080 people during the emergency. As a precautionary measure, 3,066 pregnant women were shifted to hospitals to ensure timely medical care.
Authorities also organised 253 medical camps in affected locations and stopped 12,967 fishing boats from entering the sea to prevent possible accidents during the cyclone. For rescue and emergency response activities, 13 NDRF teams and 11 SDRF teams were deployed.
Overall, officials reported that 1,93,769 people were affected across the seven identified districts.
Central Team to Inspect More Districts
The Central assessment teams have already visited cyclone-hit locations in Bapatla and Eluru districts. During these inspections, they examined the damage to agricultural lands, public infrastructure and residential properties.
The teams are scheduled to continue their field visits in Palnadu and East Godavari districts on November 14. These inspections will help officials obtain a clearer picture of the damage and the restoration requirements.
After completing the field assessment, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team will submit a detailed report to the Union government. The report will be considered as part of the Centre's assessment of the disaster's impact and the financial assistance required for relief and reconstruction.
The Andhra Pradesh government's current estimate stands at Rs 2,484.43 crore. However, this remains a preliminary figure and may be subject to verification and revision after the Central team's inspections are completed.
