Andhra Pradesh Puts Irrigation Officials on High Alert as Cyclone Murasu Brings Heavy Rains

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has placed irrigation officials on high alert following heavy rainfall brought by Cyclone Murasu. During a teleconference with senior officials on November 4, 2026, he directed them to drain stagnant rainwater from agricultural fields immediately to protect crops from further damage.

Flood Monitoring

Heavy rain was reported across Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Krishna, Eluru and West Godavari districts. The Nallamada and Parchur drains are flowing above their maximum levels around Parchur, Bapatla, Chirala and Prattipadu. Officials must monitor flood flows in all rivers, streams, drains and reservoirs continuously and coordinate with other government departments.

Barrage Inflows

The Prakasam Barrage is receiving 71,000 cusecs of water from streams in Guntur and Palnadu districts, prompting authorities to open all 70 gates after two days of heavy downpours. Water from the Budameru catchment is being diverted into the Krishna river through the Budameru Diversion Canal. In Vijayawada, 3,000 cusecs of water is being sent into the sea through the Enikepadu under-tunnel.

Official Response

Minister Ramanaidu instructed officials in north coastal districts to take advance precautions. In East Godavari district, officials must visit affected areas and check conditions regularly to help the public and farmers. Irrigation Special Chief Secretary Shashi Bhushan, adviser Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-in-Chief Narasimha Murthy and other chief engineers took part in the teleconference.

Context

Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal frequently bring heavy rainfall to coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, often testing drainage networks and agricultural flood management systems. Timely coordination among irrigation and district officials is standard procedure to manage rising water levels in barrages and protect low-lying farming regions.