Naidu seeks central aid for Andhra Pradesh cyclone damage
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu requested immediate financial assistance following estimated losses of Rs 4,526 crore from Cyclone Arnab.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday urged the Centre to provide financial assistance to help the state recover from Cyclone Arnab, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and The Hindu. Naidu stated that preliminary assessments estimate the damage at approximately Rs 4,526 crore.
The Chief Minister met with a central assessment team comprising officials from the ministries of home, agriculture, water resources, finance, and NH. The team visited the Konaseema, West Godavari, Kakinada, and East Godavari districts to inspect the impact of the cyclone.
Naidu informed the team that the cyclone caused extensive losses to paddy, coconut, banana, horticulture, aquaculture, and other commercial crops. He also noted damage to fishing boats, electricity networks, and roads. The Chief Minister said the state is facing a unique situation where some regions are experiencing severe drought due to El Nino while others face cyclones.
The Chief Minister recalled that the state had previously suffered from cyclones including Hudhud, Titli, and Montha. He expressed concern that another storm, Murasu, is approaching the state before recovery from Arnab is complete.
The central team noted that the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) and the WhatsApp-based Mana Mitra platform helped minimise the loss of life and property. Officials said the state's disaster management practices could be recommended for adoption by other states. They also noted that restoration works, including electricity and road connectivity, are progressing in remote areas.