Cyclone Murasu: Rainfall eases, water levels stabilise across Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati: Rainfall associated with Cyclone Murasu weakened considerably across Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, officials said.

Although the cyclone’s impact has largely subsided, people in low-lying areas and those living near drains, canals and reservoirs have been advised to remain cautious and follow the instructions of the district administration.

People have also been advised against crossing overflowing streams or causeways.

By Thursday morning, rainfall had largely stopped in most parts of the State, with only very light rain reported in a few places along the southern coastal belt.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre of the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), heavy rainfall on Wednesday was mainly concentrated in the Godavari belt, covering West Godavari, East Godavari, Kakinada, Eluru and Polavaram districts, where a few weather stations recorded very heavy rainfall.

On Thursday morning, rainfall activity shifted to Nellore district, but remained light to moderate. Most other districts, including those in the Rayalaseema region, recorded little or no rainfall.

Rainfall in urban areas has also eased, with no town reporting heavy rain or fresh waterlogging on Thursday morning.

The highest cumulative rainfall over the past two days was recorded in the Godavari region, particularly in Nidadavole, Kovvur and Kakinada, followed by Mummidivaram and Amalapuram in Konaseema.

Reservoirs and drains have stabilised, with all projects under watch recording steady or declining inflows. Prakasam Barrage is discharging water at the same rate as it is receiving it. Thammileru and Budameru, which were rising on Wednesday night, are now witnessing falling water levels. Yerra Kalva, which had recorded a sharp rise on Wednesday night, has stabilised. The Kondaveeti Vagu pump house is being operated to keep water levels under control.

Only isolated light to moderate rainfall is expected across Andhra Pradesh in the coming days. No heavy rainfall warning is currently in force for the State. Slightly higher rainfall activity is likely in the southern coastal districts of Nellore, Tirupati and Bapatla towards the weekend, but it is expected to remain moderate.

The situation is being monitored round the clock by the State Emergency Operations Centre at RTGS.