Coastal Andhra Pradesh fisherfolk face financial crisis due to cyclones
Cumulative losses exceeding ₹36 crore have been reported following frequent weather warnings and fishing bans since June.
The marine fishing community in coastal Andhra Pradesh is facing a financial crisis following a series of low-pressure systems and Cyclone Arnab. The cyclone made landfall near Yanam on October 28, after a depression crossed Kakinada on September 23.
In Visakhapatnam Urban district, thousands of families relying on 750 mechanised trawlers and 1,890 motor and fibre boats are in distress. Repeated bans across four weather alerts since June have caused losses exceeding ₹36 crore.
Fisherfolk leader Ajili Dasu said Cyclone Arnab caused a direct trade loss of nearly ₹20 crore during a mandatory six-day ban. Adverse weather prevails for five to seven days every month, leaving over 60 per cent of the fleet anchored.
Fisheries Department Joint Director L.B.S. Vardhan confirmed initial direct losses of around ₹5 crore at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour due to Cyclone Arnab. Seven mechanised boats sank and 65 suffered partial structural damage.
Fisherfolk organisations have submitted a petition to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu demanding 100 per cent financial compensation for damaged gear and craft. The petition affects 3.32 lakh active marine fishermen state-wide and requests a daily subsistence allowance of ₹600 per fisherman for seven days of idleness.