Aswaraopet records 6.8 cm rainfall amid cyclone Murasu

Cyclone Murasu brought heavy rain to parts of erstwhile Khammam district, with Aswaraopet recording 6.8 cm by 7 pm on Tuesday. The rains partially disrupted normal life, affected coal production and prompted Kothagudem officials to issue safety measures.

Khammam: Several mandals in erstwhile Khammam district received light to moderate rainfall, while Aswaraopet mandal in Kothagudem district recorded heavy rainfall of 6.8 cm by 7 pm on Tuesday under the influence of cyclone Murasu.

Rainfall of 6 cm was recorded at Naidupet in Dammapet mandal of Kothagudem district. In Khammam district, Vemsoor mandal received 5.9 cm of rainfall, followed by Sathupalli with 5.3 cm, Madhira with 4.2 cm and Penuballi mandal with 4.1 cm. Normal life was partially disrupted due to the rains.

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Though officials were hopeful that the rains would help recharge groundwater, farmers were worried about possible damage to standing crops and harvested farm produce. Coal production at the Sathupalli opencast mines was also affected by the rains.

Kothagudem District Collector Ankit directed officials to remain alert in view of the red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the district due to the impact of cyclone Murasu.

The Collector instructed officials to set up barricades in advance at 94 identified high-risk road locations across the district. He further ordered the regulation of public movement, a ban on fishing and tourism-related activities, and strict monitoring of mining operations.

A 24-hour control room was set up at Room No. F-28 of the IDOC. The public should report any emergencies or issues arising from the rains and flooding by contacting the control room at 08744-241950 or 9392919743, he added.