Ninety-eight pregnant women have been moved to hospitals in Guntur district as a precaution against severe cyclonic storm Murasu, District Collector CM Saikanth Varma said Monday, November 2.
Officials have identified 233 pregnant women across the district. The remaining women will also be moved to hospitals at the earliest to avoid last-minute emergencies, Varma said at a media conference at the Collectorate.
The district administration has stepped up precautionary measures, with particular focus on pregnant women and other vulnerable sections of the population. Varma said the administration is fully prepared to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone, including heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The Collector announced holidays on Monday, November 2, for Anganwadi centres, schools and junior colleges because of the cyclone threat. He appealed to parents to ensure children do not venture into rivers, canals, tanks or other water bodies. Fishing should be strictly avoided during adverse weather, he said.
Varma advised people against staying in dilapidated buildings or near weakened walls, and cautioned them not to take shelter under trees. Livestock owners were advised to keep their animals away from trees and unsafe sheds.
Weather forecasts indicate heavy to very heavy rainfall, with winds of around 55 kmph or more, according to the Collector. The RTGS forecast indicated rainfall of about 2.50 cm on Monday and 3.50 cm on Tuesday.
The administration has identified 17 villages vulnerable to inundation and has kept 64 relief centres ready for evacuations. In Guntur and other municipal areas, 21 vulnerable colonies have been identified and 19 relief centres prepared to house residents if required.