Vijayawada:The state government has released Rs 37 crore to 17 districts for rescue, relief and emergency response operations ahead of Cyclone Murasu.
The government issued G.O. Rt. No. 120 on November 2, authorising district collectors and magistrates to draw the funds under Rule TR-27 to meet immediate expenditure on relief measures.
According to the order, six districts — SPSR Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla, Guntur and Krishna — have been allocated Rs 3 crore each. Another eight districts — Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR, Palnadu, Tirupati, Chittoor and Nandyal — will receive 2 crore each. Kadapa, Sri Sathya Sai and Annamayya districts have been sanctioned 1 crore each.
The allocations follow a proposal from the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), which cited an IMD 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 to relief camps, supply safe drinking water, food and milk, conduct medical camps and maintain sanitation. The funds can also be used to arrange emergency power alternatives and carry out urgent repairs to damaged roads and irrigation infrastructure.
The government has instructed the collectors to hire APSRTC buses, wherever possible, to transport affected people to relief camps. Government schools and colleges may be used as shelters if existing facilities are inadequate.
The collectors have also been asked to seek assistance from the roads and buildings, municipal administration and panchayat raj departments, besides SDRF personnel, to clear fallen trees obstructing roads.
The collectors must exercise financial prudence, submit authorisation orders and statements explaining the urgency to the Accountant General, and furnish detailed contingent bills within 30 days of drawing the funds. Any unspent amount must be returned.
