Naidu seeks Central aid for Andhra Pradesh cyclone damage
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu requested immediate financial assistance following losses estimated at ₹4,526 crore from Cyclone Arnab.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday requested the Centre to provide financial assistance to help the state recover from Cyclone Arnab. According to the Deccan Chronicle, the preliminary damage assessment is estimated at ₹4,526 crore.
The Chief Minister made the appeal during a meeting with a central assessment team that visited four districts: Konaseema, West Godavari, Kakinada, and East Godavari. The team included officials from the ministries of finance, home, agriculture, water resources, and NH.
Naidu stated that the cyclone caused extensive damage to paddy, coconut, banana, and other horticultural and aquaculture crops. He also noted that fishing boats, electricity networks, and roads were damaged. The Chief Minister mentioned that the state is facing multiple weather challenges, including severe drought in some regions due to El Nino.
The central team observed that the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) and the WhatsApp-based Mana Mitra platform helped minimise the loss of life and property. They noted that restoration works, including road and power connectivity, are progressing in remote areas.
Cyclone Arnab caused three deaths and damaged 31 houses in Andhra Pradesh, according to a National Disaster Response Force officer quoted by Scroll. The storm made landfall on Wednesday with wind speeds between 125 km per hour and 135 km per hour.