Andhra Pradesh averted loss of lives during cyclones, says Naidu
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu credited the state's government machinery and district collectors for effective rescue and relief operations.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the combined work of government departments, district administrations, and field staff helped Andhra Pradesh prevent deaths and reduce property damage during cyclones Arnab and Murasu. He spoke at a media conference at the Real Time Governance System (RTGS) centre in the Secretariat on Tuesday.
Naidu stated that the government used real-time weather data from the AWARE system to deploy personnel and equipment to vulnerable areas. He noted that forecasts regarding rainfall, wind speeds, floods, and water diversion were nearly 90 per cent accurate.
The Chief Minister highlighted that electricity supply was largely restored within four to five days, despite 31,000 poles being uprooted and 4,095 villages facing disruptions. He said such extensive damage would typically require at least 20 days to repair.
According to The New Indian Express, the government also moved nearly 5,000 pregnant women to hospitals, with 1,029 deliveries recorded in the last week. Additionally, 19,265 ration shops across 17 districts were stocked with two months of essential commodities.
Naidu said he requested help from the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, as well as Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, to accelerate restoration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also promised support from the Centre.
An interim report estimating Cyclone Arnab caused Rs 4,526 crore in damage has been sent to the Centre. Naidu asserted that his government prioritises public welfare over electoral considerations.