Central government teams were expected to arrive in Andhra Pradesh on Friday to assess the extent of the damage in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, which barrelled through India’s east coast, brought heavy rain and gusty winds, and left seven people dead in the state.
He added that a detailed assessment of the damage to agriculture, horticulture, coconut plantations and aquaculture ponds was yet to be completed. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who conducted an aerial survey of the cyclone-hit areas and interacted with farmers, said on Thursday the loss could be much more.
He added that the state government has submitted a preliminary damage report to the Union government. He added the same amount would be provided for each damaged oil palm tree. Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan flagged the damage caused to fishing boats and equipment along the Uppada coast at the Cabinet meeting. Rescue teams from the NDRF and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force are deployed in affected areas. Officials are, however, yet to forecast whether the system would intensify into a cyclone.
Naidu said the government would provide ₹ 1,500 compensation for each damaged coconut tree. Naidu said he spoke to the Telangana government and requested the deployment of 1,000 electricity personnel to assist with restoration work. Earlier reporting noted: Cyclone caused ₹4.6k-cr losses in Andhra Pradesh; rain lashes West Bengal Cyclone Arnab has caused at least ₹ 4,600 crore in losses in Andhra Pradesh, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday, as the state assessed the damage from the storm that killed seven people. Naidu said 8,000 electric poles were uprooted in Konaseema and promised compensation to affected farmers and families. Earlier reporting noted: In neighbouring Odisha, chief secretary Anu Garg said, around 300 villages in Ganjam district have been marooned by heavy rain and flash floods, prompting the government to coordinate with the Union home ministry for air evacuations. The state plans to airlift 120 people in the first phase, though continued rain and low cloud cover could delay operations.
Naidu said the state government would also seek assistance from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to expedite restoration, if required. Naidu said the government is coordinating with district collectors, superintendents of police and other officials, using the Real Time Governance System to monitor the situation and coordinate relief operations. He said the cyclone severely affected the Uppada coastline and that strong waves damaged fishing boats of fishermen from U Kothapalli mandal and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, a second system has formed over the Bay of Bengal and has already intensified into a low-pressure, officials of the India Meteorological Department said.
Earlier reporting noted: In Bengal, rain and squally winds continued as Arnab weakened into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha. Naidu said he discussed the situation with Union home minister Amit Shah and central teams will arrive on Friday. A central team is expected to visit the state on Friday.
