Pawan Kalyan Reviews Cyclone Arnab Relief Efforts, Directs Officials to Remain on Alert

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reviewed cyclone Arnab relief and restoration operations with collectors from the affected districts on Wednesday. He directed officials to remain on the ground until the impact of the storm subsides and to prioritise public safety, emergency assistance and the restoration of essential services. He sought updates on coastal areas, particularly Antarvedi in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district and the coastal belt of Kakinada district. He also reviewed damage to the Uppada coastal road, possible damage to houses and the flood situation in the Yeleru catchment area. Officials reported that strong winds had uprooted trees, damaged roads and brought down electricity poles, disrupting power supplies in several areas. In East Godavari district alone, 93 roads were damaged and around 736 trees were reported to have fallen. Authorities were instructed to clear roads quickly and continuously monitor streams, drains and water levels.

According to preliminary state-level estimates shared during the review, 14 districts were severely affected, with more than 28,000 people moved to relief camps. Crops across approximately 70,000 hectares were reportedly submerged, while horticultural crops covering another 10,500 hectares were affected. Homes, roads and electricity infrastructure also sustained damage. Sixteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 11 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were involved in relief operations, supported by around 32,000 personnel from various departments. Pawan Kalyan directed officials to ensure food, drinking water, medical care and sanitation in relief camps; restore roads, electricity and water supplies; disinfect stagnant water areas; and assess crop and property losses transparently for compensation. He urged residents to follow official instructions, advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until clearance was issued, and stressed that people should return home from relief camps only after weather conditions improve.