Cyclone Arnab Havoc: CM Naidu Briefs Amit Shah, Seeks Urgent Central Aid
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu briefs Amit Shah on Cyclone Arnab damage, requesting central aid for agricultural and infrastructure losses.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reached out to the Central Government following the devastating impact of Cyclone Arnab damage across several districts of the state. In a high-level telephonic conversation on Wednesday, the Chief Minister briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the scale of destruction and the immediate needs of the affected population.
Extent of the Devastation
The cyclone has left a trail of destruction across multiple regions. CM Naidu specifically detailed the dire situation in districts including Visakhapatnam, Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, and Krishna. The preliminary loss estimates paint a grim picture of the agricultural and infrastructural toll:
- Agriculture: Over 70,000 hectares of agricultural crops have been completely inundated.
- Horticulture: More than 10,500 hectares of horticultural crops have suffered heavy damage.
- Infrastructure: There has been widespread destruction of residential houses, critical road networks, and electricity poles.
State Response and Request for Central Support
During the call, the Chief Minister highlighted the proactive steps taken by the state administration to prevent further loss of life. This included the priority evacuation of residents from low-lying and flood-prone areas to secure relief shelters.
To expedite the recovery process, Naidu has requested the immediate deployment of Central assessment teams to conduct on-ground evaluations of the losses. He urged the Union Home Minister to provide necessary financial and logistical assistance to facilitate relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts across the hit regions.
Relief Packages for the Affected
In a bid to support the vulnerable, CM Naidu has announced a comprehensive series of relief measures. He is scheduled to visit the affected regions, specifically Konaseema and West Godavari districts, on Thursday afternoon to personally assess the damage.
Financial and Food Assistance:
- Families with inundated homes: Will receive 25 kg of rice.
- Weavers and Fishermen: Will be provided with 50 kg of rice, along with one kilogram each of red gram dal, cooking oil, and onions.
- Cash Support: A financial aid of Rs 1,000 per person has been announced.
Loss of Life and Government Commitment
The human cost of the cyclone has been heavy, with four deaths reported in cyclone-related incidents. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased individual.
"The government's objective is to provide timely services, support affected families, and instil confidence among the public," stated CM Naidu, while expressing his gratitude to the citizens for following official advisories and cooperating with the administration.