Cyclone damage and recovery in Andhra Pradesh

The state of Andhra Pradesh has faced significant destruction following the successive impacts of Cyclones Arnab and Murasu. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has requested financial assistance from the Indian central government, specifically contacting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address extensive property and agricultural losses.

Initial reports detailed the impact of Cyclone Murasu, which caused approximately Rs 343.95 crore in damage, primarily affecting the agricultural sector. Cyclone Arnab resulted in even more substantial losses, estimated at 4,563 crore rupees, impacting 781 villages across 16 districts and destroying approximately 29,000 electricity poles. The government has also sought intervention from Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal regarding 150 chilli containers, valued at 60 crore rupees, stranded at Colombo Port in Sri Lanka.

Following the storms, Chief Minister Naidu announced government measures to provide compensation to farmers, particularly in Guntur, Bapatla, and Prakasam districts, where crops were damaged near harvest time. While the state continues to assess the full extent of the damage, Naidu noted that 30,000 electricity poles downed by Cyclone Arnab have been restored, though an additional 10,000 poles were damaged by Cyclone Murasu. Efforts are currently focused on restoring power to aquaculture ponds.

In neighboring Telangana, BRS leaders have demanded a comprehensive survey and immediate intervention in Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts, calling for compensation of 50,000 rupees per acre for destroyed paddy, chili, cotton, and horticultural crops.