The Andhra Pradesh government has released Rs 37 crore for rescue, relief and emergency response operations across 17 districts as Cyclone Murasu approaches the state’s coast, with district collectors authorised to draw the funds for immediate measures.
The allocation was approved through G.O. Rt. No. 120 issued on November 2 under Rule TR-27. The order allows collectors and district magistrates to meet urgent expenditure linked to evacuation, relief camps, essential supplies and emergency restoration work.
Six districts—SPSR Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla, Guntur and Krishna—have each been allocated Rs 3 crore. Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR, Palnadu, Tirupati, Chittoor and Nandyal will receive Rs 2 crore each. Kadapa, Sri Sathya Sai and Annamayya have been sanctioned Rs 1 crore each.
The allocations follow a proposal from the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, which cited an India Meteorological Department bulletin warning that a severe cyclonic storm was likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur by the morning of November 3. Wind speeds were expected to reach 100–110 kmph, with gusts of up to 120 kmph.
The collectors have been directed to prioritise the evacuation of people from flood-prone areas and their transfer to relief camps. The funds can be used to provide safe drinking water, food and milk, conduct medical camps, maintain sanitation and arrange emergency power alternatives.
The order also permits spending on urgent repairs to damaged roads and irrigation infrastructure. Collectors have been instructed to hire Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses, wherever possible, to transport affected people to relief camps. Government schools and colleges may be used as shelters if existing facilities are insufficient.
The response places district administrations at the centre of the first phase of cyclone management. Collectors have been asked to seek support from the roads and buildings, municipal administration and panchayat raj departments, along with State Disaster Response Force personnel, to clear fallen trees and other obstructions from roads.
The financial authorisation is accompanied by reporting requirements. Collectors must exercise financial prudence, submit authorisation orders and statements explaining the urgency to the Accountant General, and file detailed contingent bills within 30 days of drawing the funds. Any amount left unspent must be returned.
The immediate operational priorities are evacuation from vulnerable areas, the functioning of shelters, continuity of essential supplies and the clearance of transport routes as the storm approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
