Cyclone Arnab: 5.7 Lakh Farmers Hit, CM Chandrababu Orders Swift Damage Assessment

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to complete the assessment of damage caused by Cyclone Arnab within the stipulated deadline and ensure compensation reaches all eligible victims. The cyclone has caused extensive damage to agriculture, horticulture and fisheries, with preliminary estimates indicating that crops across 3.55 lakh hectares have been affected, impacting approximately 5.70 lakh farmers.

During his field visit to cyclone-hit areas in Krishna, West Godavari and Konaseema districts, Chandrababu inspected inundated paddy fields, damaged banana plantations, uprooted coconut trees and affected aquaculture ponds. At a rehabilitation camp in Gachakayalapora village, he interacted with affected families and directed officials to restore collapsed huts. He also asked authorities to examine the possibility of providing house-site pattas to eligible poor families living on government land.

Fishermen raised concerns over unregistered boats, silt accumulation and difficulties affecting fishing activities. The Chief Minister assured them that these issues would be addressed. He said approximately 30,000 officials had been mobilised for preventive measures to minimise casualties and property damage. Konaseema district alone reported around 8,000 fallen electricity poles, prompting coordinated restoration efforts with assistance from Telangana.

During a teleconference with district collectors and departmental officials, Chandrababu ordered the removal of fallen trees, clearance of debris and restoration of electricity supply. He also directed officials to identify waterlogged crops that could still be saved and explore the feasibility of replanting damaged horticultural crops.

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu reviewed the preliminary damage estimates. Agricultural crops across 3,33,268 hectares in 16 districts were affected, with estimated losses of ₹556 crore. Horticultural damage across 21,837 hectares was valued at ₹695.59 crore. The fisheries sector suffered estimated losses of ₹104.55 crore, with 1,115 boats and 2,712 nets damaged. Officials also reported 7,504 livestock and bird deaths.

Atchannaidu instructed officials to conduct transparent damage assessments and ensure that every eligible farmer receives assistance. Scientists and agricultural experts will help identify measures to protect damaged crops.

Meanwhile, Minister Gotipati Ravi Kumar inspected damaged roads and fields in West Godavari, while Gudivada MLA Venigandla Ramu visited affected paddy fields. Ramu urged farmers to register their losses and highlighted the Chief Minister’s announcement of ₹20,000 per hectare in compensation. The government said relief and restoration operations would continue until normalcy returned.