Cyclone Arnab Hits AP: CM Naidu Reviews Damage, Rail Services Halted
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu reviews damage from Cyclone Arnab as floodwaters disrupt rail traffic on the Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar line.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited the storm-ravaged regions of Ambedkar Konaseema district to assess the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab Andhra Pradesh. During his inspection, the Chief Minister emphasized that while natural disasters like cyclones are inevitable, their impact can be mitigated through rigorous preparedness and a swift response system.
Prioritizing Life Over Loss
Reflecting on past experiences with cyclones such as Hudhud, Titli, Montha, and Diviseema, CM Naidu stated that the government's primary goal was to prevent the loss of human life. He noted that extensive precautionary measures were implemented to minimize damage to both life and property.
Despite these efforts, the Chief Minister acknowledged the tragedy of seven deaths. He highlighted that the state had maintained a high state of alert, with the following agencies coordinated in advance:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
- Police and Fire Services
- District officials, including Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs)
Railway Chaos: Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar Line Paralyzed
The fury of Cyclone Arnab, combined with incessant rainfall in the upper catchment areas, has caused severe disruptions to the region's transport infrastructure. The South Coast Railway (SCoR) was forced to temporarily suspend operations on the critical Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar mainline due to heavy floodwater surges.
Bridge 1052 Under Water
According to Y Balaji Kiran, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of South Coast Railway, water levels rose alarmingly beneath bridge number 1052, located between Jhadupudi and Ichchapuram stations. The surge began early in the morning, prompting an immediate suspension of services starting at 3:25 am.
The impact on rail traffic has been significant:
- Cancellations: Approximately nine short-distance trains have been cancelled.
- Diversions: Around 16 train services have been diverted to alternative routes.
War Room Operations and Recovery
To manage the crisis, the South Coast Railway has been operating a 24/7 war room at its headquarters and all divisional offices for the past three days. Under the guidance of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, officials are working to ensure passenger amenities remain available at stations.
Field engineers and senior officials are currently stationed on-site, waiting for water levels to recede. Once the tracks are accessible, a thorough inspection will be conducted to determine if any maintenance or repairs are required before services resume. The railway authorities are maintaining constant coordination with the water resource ministries of both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to monitor the situation.