Naidu seeks fast Central aid as Cyclone Arnab losses reach ₹4,526 crore
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister requested the Central team to expedite assistance following a preliminary assessment of damage caused by the cyclone.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday urged a Central team to expedite assistance after a preliminary assessment estimated Cyclone Arnab losses at approximately ₹4,526 crore, according to The Hindu.
Naidu informed the team that the cyclone caused extensive damage to agricultural crops, including banana and coconut, as well as horticultural produce. The storm also damaged roads, power supply infrastructure, and boats used by fishermen.
The Chief Minister noted that the State is facing a unique situation where coastal districts are being battered by cyclones while some areas face severe drought due to El Niño. He recalled that previous cyclones, including Hudhud, Titli, and Montha, had caused heavy losses to the State.
The Central team, which visited Konaseema, West Godavari, Kakinada, and East Godavari districts, observed that the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) and the WhatsApp-based Mana Mitra platform helped minimise the loss of life and property.
Central officials appreciated the efforts of district collectors to restore normalcy, stating that restoration works are being carried out on a war footing, including in remote areas. Naidu requested the team to submit its recommendations at the earliest to help the State recover.