Cyclone Arnab Devastation: Priyanka Gandhi Urges Congress Workers to Lead Relief Efforts
Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi call for urgent relief and rescue operations as Cyclone Arnab devastates Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
As the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab relief efforts become a priority across several states, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has issued an urgent appeal to party workers to mobilize on the ground. Following the widespread destruction caused by the severe cyclonic storm and torrential rains, she has called for grassroots support to assist those battling flooding and devastation in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
A Call for Immediate Action
Taking to X, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her deep concern for the citizens facing the brunt of the weather system. She emphasized the need for immediate rescue and relief operations to mitigate the suffering of the affected populations.
“My thoughts are with the people of Andhra Pradesh facing the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and those in Odisha affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. I pray for everyone’s safety and urge Congress workers to extend every possible help to those affected and support relief and rescue efforts,” she wrote.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Swift Rehabilitation
Adding to the call for support, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his grief over the loss of lives and the destruction of livelihoods. He urged the government to act decisively to ensure that affected families are not left behind in the recovery process.
Rahul Gandhi shared his condolences with the bereaved families and highlighted the loss of homes and security. He specifically urged the governments to ensure "swift relief and rehabilitation for every affected family during this difficult time."
Regional Impact: From Paddy Fields to Paralyzed Rails
The impact of Cyclone Arnab has extended far beyond the coastal belts, hitting interior regions with unexpected severity:
- Chhattisgarh: In the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, heavy downpours flattened standing paddy fields. This prompted the local administration to issue a Red Alert and shut down all schools and Anganwadi centres for a day.
- Odisha: In the Gajapati district, the Mahendratanaya River basin has seen flood-like conditions. Areas such as Baghasala, Bhinnala, and Bapuji Peinth in the Goshani block have been inundated, with water entering villages and agricultural lands.
- Transport Disruptions: The South Coast Railway (SCoR) was forced to temporarily suspend operations on the Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar mainline due to floodwater surges under a railway bridge. This resulted in the cancellation of approximately nine short-distance trains and the diversion of 16 other services.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the affected states of full central assistance. He confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) are currently active in rescue and relief missions.
The Home Minister stated that he has been in communication with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh to coordinate efforts and mitigate the hardships faced by the people in the wake of the disaster.