Central Team Meets CM Chandrababu Naidu to Review Murasu Cyclone Damage

A seven member Central team led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Chittaranjan Das held a virtual meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu after completing its field assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu. The team, which visited Bapatla, Palnadu, Eluru and East Godavari districts in two groups, inspected damaged crop fields, irrigation canals, roads, houses and other infrastructure across nearly 60 locations. The members interacted directly with farmers in Surappagudem of Bhimadolu mandal to assess crop losses, examined drainage systems and paddy fields in Ravulapalem, and inspected the Kommu canal, roads and irrigation facilities in Kunakalamarru. They also assessed damage to fishermen's boats in Chirala and losses to houses, horticultural crops, agriculture and duck farms in Boppudi. During the meeting, Chandrababu Naidu said the combined impact of El Niño and two cyclones had caused extensive damage to the state. He explained that the government had taken precautionary measures in advance and restored road connectivity, electricity and mobile networks within 24 hours. Relief operations were also carried out on a priority basis, including the distribution of additional ration supplies in affected areas. He urged the Centre to provide immediate financial assistance and support the construction of stronger infrastructure to reduce future cyclone damage.

According to the state government's assessment submitted to the Central team, Cyclone Murasu caused an estimated loss of ₹2,484.43 crore. Roads and related infrastructure suffered damage worth ₹888.84 crore, with 1,385 km of roads, 36 road breaches and 65 culverts affected. Agricultural losses were estimated at ₹874.97 crore across 1,43,617 hectares, affecting 1,86,063 farmers. Horticultural crops covering 6,756 hectares suffered losses worth ₹337.10 crore, impacting 12,605 farmers. The cyclone also damaged 369 irrigation sources and caused breaches at 509 locations. In the power sector, 10,192 11-kV poles, 6,442 LT poles and 1,448 distribution transformer-related units were affected. A total of 3,859 houses, including 645 huts, were damaged, while emergency relief operations cost ₹37 crore. The Central team observed extensive damage to rural roads, power infrastructure and kutcha houses, and noted that paddy losses were particularly severe in East Godavari and Eluru districts. It also recommended special assistance for tribal communities, farmers practising organic and natural farming, and families living in damaged houses. Chandrababu Naidu requested the team to submit its report to the Centre within 10 days so that financial assistance could be provided without delay.