Cyclone Arnab Claims Seven Lives in Andhra Pradesh, Estimated Damage at ₹4,600 Crore

Amaravati, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Cyclone Arnab has resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives in Andhra Pradesh, with preliminary damage estimates reaching ₹4,600 crore, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reported on Thursday.

Following an aerial survey of the affected regions, Naidu indicated that while the current estimate stands at ₹4,600 crore, further assessments may reveal even greater losses. He has communicated the situation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, providing updates on the government’s response and submitting an initial report on the damage.

Central teams are set to visit the state on Friday to evaluate the cyclone’s impact. The cyclone made landfall on Wednesday, causing significant disruption.

Naidu conducted an aerial survey over the cyclone-affected areas in the B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, inspected relief centers in the village of Gachkayalapura, and spoke with victims to understand their challenges. In a press briefing, he detailed the relief and reconstruction measures being implemented by the government.

He emphasized the importance of assessing the damages firsthand, stating that compensation of ₹1,500 will be provided for each damaged coconut and palm tree. Families returning from relief camps will receive 25 kilograms of rice, essential goods, and financial assistance for immediate expenses.

Farmers covered under the crop insurance scheme will be compensated for any losses due to the cyclone. Naidu assured that assessments would be expedited to ensure prompt disbursement of compensation for agricultural and horticultural losses.

The Chief Minister reflected on the state’s history with cyclones, recalling a devastating storm that struck 30 years ago on November 6. Other cyclones, including Hudhud, Titli, and Mocha, have also inflicted damage on the region. He noted that the Divisima cyclone nearly 70 years ago resulted in thousands of fatalities.

“Learning from past disasters, we implemented precautionary measures that significantly reduced loss of life and property. Despite our best efforts, it is unfortunate that seven lives were lost,” Naidu expressed. The government had maintained a high alert status, with continuous communication among district collectors, police officials, and other authorities.

The districts of Konaseema and West Godavari were the hardest hit. Efforts to restore road connectivity began last night, focusing on removing fallen trees.

Naidu continued, “We monitored the situation from Srikakulam to Krishna district and coordinated relief efforts through the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS). We are working to minimize public inconvenience and restore telecommunication services. In Konaseema alone, approximately 8,000 electricity poles have fallen. All damaged poles will be replaced, and power supply will be restored as soon as possible.”

He has requested assistance from the Telangana government, sending 1,000 power workers to aid in recovery efforts. Additional teams from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will be dispatched if necessary. Addressing cyclone victims, Naidu assured that officials have been working tirelessly to ensure minimal disruption. Around 30,000 officials have been deployed, implementing various precautionary measures to mitigate loss of life and property.