Cyclone Murasu Leaves Prakasam District Villages in Darkness

Since Cyclone Murasu made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coastline, several villages in the Prakasam district, including Nagulappalapadu, Kanigiri, Kothapatnam, Singarayakonda, and Addanki mandals, have been plunged into darkness. The cyclone, which struck on November 1, 2026, has left residents grappling with continuous power outages, severely impacting their daily lives.

The Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL) has mobilized staff to restore power on a war-footing basis, yet the situation remains dire. Villagers are forced to rely on oil lamps and candles for light, with many spending their nights in darkness.

The aftermath of Cyclone Murasu has seen residents of the affected villages facing significant challenges. With power lines down and electric poles damaged, the restoration process has been slow. According to local sources, the electricity department has been working tirelessly to repair the infrastructure, but as of now, many villages remain without electricity.

"We have been without power for over a week now. It’s hard to manage daily tasks without electricity, especially when it comes to cooking and keeping our homes lit at night," said a resident of Nagulappalapadu.

In addition to the lack of electricity, villagers are also struggling to access clean drinking water. Many households rely on electric pumps to draw water from borewells, and the absence of power has made this impossible. As a result, residents are forced to travel to the nearest urban center to purchase water, further straining their resources.

The economic ramifications of the power outages are being felt acutely in the affected areas. Villagers are now traveling to urban centers to charge their mobile phones, incurring a cost of ₹10 per charge. This additional expense is a burden for many families already struggling to meet their basic needs.

"Charging my phone used to be free; now I have to pay for it. It’s frustrating because I need my phone to communicate with my family and check for updates on the power situation," shared a villager from Kothapatnam.

The reliance on generators for power has also increased, but fuel availability is another challenge. Many residents are finding it difficult to arrange fuel for their generators, leading to further disruptions in their daily routines.

The APCPDCL has acknowledged the challenges faced by residents and is working diligently to restore power. According to official records reviewed by DotMR, the electricity department has deployed additional personnel and equipment to expedite the restoration process. However, the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu has complicated these efforts.

"We are doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible. The damage is extensive, and we appreciate the patience of the residents during this difficult time," stated an APCPDCL spokesperson.

Despite these assurances, the reality on the ground remains grim, with many villagers expressing frustration over the slow pace of restoration.

In the face of adversity, the community has shown remarkable resilience. Local organizations and volunteers have stepped in to provide support to those most affected by the outages. Initiatives to distribute candles, oil lamps, and bottled water have been organized, helping to alleviate some of the immediate hardships faced by residents.

"We are coming together as a community to help each other out. It’s heartwarming to see everyone pitching in, even when we are all struggling," remarked a community leader from Singarayakonda.

As restoration efforts continue, there is a growing call for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the region. Experts suggest that investing in more resilient power systems and better emergency response plans could mitigate the impact of future cyclones.

"This incident highlights the need for better preparedness and infrastructure. We cannot afford to be caught off guard again," said a local environmental activist.

The ongoing power outages in Prakasam district serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities in the wake of climate change and extreme weather events. As the community rallies together to support one another, the hope remains that power will soon be restored, allowing life to return to normal for the residents of these cyclone-hit villages.