Naidu to Tour Cyclone Arnab Damage in Konaseema, West Godavari
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will travel to the cyclone-affected districts of Konaseema and West Godavari on Thursday afternoon. The visit comes as the state government works to measure the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and deliver relief to affected residents.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday evening at the RTGS centre in the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu described the scale of the losses and the steps being taken to support people in the affected areas.
He said a letter had been sent to the Central government on Wednesday requesting assistance for the cyclone damage. Home Minister Amit Shah has also been informed about the storm's intensity and its impact on the state. The initial assessment of losses will be handed over to the Centre shortly, after which a detailed report will be submitted. Preliminary reports indicate significant damage to coconut plantations and other horticulture crops.
The Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims. Two people died in Visakhapatnam when an electric pole and a tree collapsed, while one person each lost their life in Anakapalli and Bhimavaram.
As part of the relief measures, families whose houses were waterlogged will receive 25 kg of rice. Weavers and fishermen will be provided 50 kg of rice, plus one kg each of onion, cooking oil and toor dal. A cash assistance of Rs 1,000 per person will be given, and families of the deceased will receive Rs 5 lakh in compensation. Farmers will get separate support after a crop loss survey is conducted.
Disbursement of financial aid in the districts will start from Thursday. Crop loss compensation will be paid after the assessment is complete. The final decision on the relief package will be taken at a cabinet meeting to be held virtually on Thursday. Drinking water and cleanliness in affected areas are receiving special attention.
Mr. Naidu said technology has changed the way disasters are managed. Earlier, the whole coastal belt had to stay on alert, but now the exact point of landfall can be predicted. He called the government's method a blend of forecasting, accuracy and ground-level readiness. He also noted that clearing obstructions in canals has eased waterlogging at several places.
He thanked officers and employees who have been working for the past three days and said the government aims to deliver services on time and build public confidence. He added that post-cyclone rainfall has reduced the state's average rainfall shortfall from 39 per cent to 27 per cent. He also accused the previous government of ignoring the RTGS centre for political reasons.