Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Amaravati, Nov 5: Rainfall associated with Cyclone Murasu weakened considerably across Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, with most parts of the state witnessing a significant improvement in weather conditions, officials said.
Although the impact of the cyclone has largely subsided, residents in low-lying areas and those living near drains, canals and reservoirs have been advised to remain cautious and follow instructions issued by the respective district administrations.
People have also been warned against crossing overflowing streams and causeways.
By Thursday morning, rainfall had largely stopped across most parts of the state, with only very light showers reported in a few areas along the south 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. A few rainfall stations in these areas recorded very heavy showers.
On Thursday morning, rain activity shifted towards Nellore district, but remained light to moderate. Most other districts, including those in the Rayalaseema region, recorded little or no rainfall.
Weather conditions in urban areas have also improved, with no town reporting heavy rainfall or fresh waterlogging on Thursday morning.
The highest cumulative rainfall over the past two days was recorded in the Godavari region, particularly Nidadavole, Kovvur and Kakinada, followed by Mummidivaram and Amalapuram in Konaseema district.
Meanwhile, reservoirs and drainage systems have stabilised, with all projects under close observation reporting steady or declining inflows.
Prakasam Barrage is currently discharging the same quantity of water as it is receiving. Thammileru and Budameru, which witnessed rising water levels on Wednesday night, are now showing a decline. Yerra Kalva, which had recorded a sharp rise during the night, has also stabilised.
The Kondaveeti Vagu pump house is being operated to keep water levels under control.
Officials said only isolated light to moderate rainfall was expected across Andhra Pradesh over the coming days, with no heavy rainfall warning currently in force.
Slightly higher rainfall activity is likely in the south coastal districts of Nellore, Tirupati and Bapatla towards the weekend, although the showers are expected to remain moderate.
The situation continues to be monitored round-the-clock by the State Emergency Operations Centre at RTGS.