Cyclones Arnab and Murasu reduce rainfall deficit in Andhra Pradesh
Back-to-back cyclones have brought significant rainfall to coastal districts despite causing property damage and crop loss across the state.
Back-to-back cyclones Arnab and Murasu have helped reduce the rainfall deficit in Andhra Pradesh, according to The New Indian Express. While the storms caused destruction, they brought substantial rain to several areas, aiding recovery from a major deficit recorded until mid-October.
The state recorded 583.42 mm of rainfall against the normal 777.2 mm between June 1 and November 4. Although the deficit was 47 per cent at the end of October, it dropped to 18 per cent by October 30 after Cyclone Arnab arrived. As of November 4, the cumulative deficit stands at 24.93 per cent, with 12 districts still facing a deficiency.
Coastal districts saw significant increases in rainfall between November 1 and November 4. West Godavari received 238.42 mm against a normal 30.81 mm, representing nearly 674 per cent excess rainfall. Other districts with high rainfall during this period include Konaseema, East Godavari, Guntur, NTR, and Visakhapatnam.
The storms also caused significant losses. The Hindu reported that Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall on October 28, caused an estimated ₹4,526 crore in damage. Cyclone Murasu, which crossed the coast on November 3, has been linked to the impact on approximately 52,500 hectares of standing crops.
The state has reported 12 deaths from both cyclones.