Cyclone Arnab: Andhra CM Urges Amit Shah to Deploy Central Assessment Team
CM Chandrababu Naidu writes to Amit Shah requesting a Central team to assess the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab in Andhra Pradesh.
Following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Arnab damage assessment needs, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has formally reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the Chief Minister requested the immediate deputation of a Central team to evaluate the scale of destruction across the state and facilitate necessary assistance.
Severe Impact Across Multiple Districts
The cyclone has left a trail of destruction, particularly impacting the infrastructure and livelihoods of the region. According to the Chief Minister, the severity of the storm has resulted in significant damage to:
- Agricultural crops and horticultural plantations.
- Residential houses and public buildings.
- Road networks and critical transport links.
- Electricity poles and power grids.
The districts most severely affected by the storm include Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Anakapalli, and Krishna. While the physical damage is extensive, CM Naidu highlighted a major victory in disaster management: no loss of life has been reported so far, a result he attributed to the government's rigorous advance preparedness measures.
Massive Rescue and Relief Operations
To combat the crisis, the state has mobilized a massive workforce. Currently, 16 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 11 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are active across 14 districts. To ensure public safety, more than 28,000 people have been evacuated and shifted to rehabilitation centres.
The state government has established round-the-clock operations at the State Emergency Operations Centre and various control rooms to manage the emergency. The current priority remains the restoration of essential services, specifically drinking water supplies and electricity, in the hardest-hit areas.
CM Naidu’s High-Intensity Review
Demonstrating a hands-on approach, Chief Minister Naidu conducted a series of intensive reviews. This included a teleconference with approximately 32,000 personnel—ranging from district collectors to field-level staff—to monitor relief and restoration efforts. The CM's vigilance was evident as he reviewed the impact until 1:30 am and reconvened with officials at 6:30 am on Wednesday.
Directives for Rapid Recovery
During his reviews, the Chief Minister issued several urgent directives to ensure the state returns to normalcy quickly:
- Traffic Restoration: Fallen trees blocking roads were to be cleared within two hours, with a specific emphasis on real-time removal from national highways to prevent traffic jams.
- Power Restoration: Electricity supply must be restored as soon as wind speeds subside and conditions are deemed safe.
- Shelter Management: Ensuring that those in cyclone shelters have adequate food, medical facilities, and clean drinking water.
- Agricultural Protection: Implementing measures to prevent water from flooding agricultural fields and taking steps to stop breaches in irrigation canals and tanks.
Seeking Continued Central Support
While expressing gratitude to the Central Government for its ongoing support, CM Naidu emphasized that a comprehensive report on the damage will be submitted following a detailed assessment. He urged the Union Government to maintain continuous operational backing from the NDRF and other central agencies to aid in the long-term rehabilitation of the affected populations.