India
Modi Discusses Cyclone Damage with Andhra Chief Minister as ₹4,906 Crore Losses Reported
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Wednesday with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to review the situation in cyclone‑hit areas of the state. Naidu sought central assistance for relief and restoration work after two back‑to‑back cyclones, Arnab and Murasu, struck within a week, according to the chief minister’s office.
During the call, Naidu briefed Modi on extensive damage, including crop losses from heavy rainfall and strong winds, and damage to roads and electricity infrastructure. A preliminary assessment by the state government estimated property damage from Cyclone Murasu at ₹343 crore, with 465 villages in seven districts severely affected. Paddy crops across 50,473 hectares and commercial crops across 1,985 hectares suffered damage.
The government also estimated losses of ₹4,563 crore due to Cyclone Arnab, which affected 781 villages. Agricultural crops across 300,000 hectares and horticultural crops across 13,600 hectares in 16 districts were damaged. The cyclone damaged about 29,000 electricity poles and 7,981 km of power lines.
Naidu conducted an aerial survey of cyclone‑affected areas in Guntur, Bapatla and Prakasam districts on Wednesday and directed officials to drain stagnant rainwater in Karamchedu, Kothapatnam, Chirala, Chilakaluripet and Parchur. In a review meeting at the Real Time Governance Society, he instructed district collectors to keep road traffic flowing and prevent waterlogging.
Officials reported that heavy rainfall continued in tribal areas of Eluru district, especially Buttayagudem, Velerupadu, Polavaram, Jeelugumilli and Koyyalagudem, where minor irrigation tanks were overflowing. Naidu said he had been in constant touch with the Centre to secure assistance for farmers who suffered losses. He had written to the Centre and held several discussions with Union ministers, including four talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, after which central assessment teams were sent to the state.
Naidu urged the Centre to announce immediate interim financial assistance to restore normalcy in the affected districts and provide relief to farmers who suffered losses from both cyclones.
Frequently asked questions
What were the estimated property damage costs from Cyclone Murasu?
The state government estimated property damage from Cyclone Murasu at ₹343 crore, affecting 465 villages in seven districts.
What were the estimated losses from Cyclone Arnab?
Cyclone Arnab caused estimated losses of ₹4,563 crore, affecting 781 villages, damaging agricultural crops across 300,000 hectares and horticultural crops across 13,600 hectares in 16 districts.
How many electricity poles and power lines were damaged by the cyclones?
The cyclones damaged about 29,000 electricity poles and 7,981 km of power lines.