Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Orders Faster Restoration in Cyclone Arnab-Hit Areas

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to accelerate restoration work in cyclone-affected areas, with a focus on restoring electricity, repairing damaged roads and improving mobile network connectivity. He has instructed government departments to coordinate their efforts and ensure that essential services return to normal without further delay. Naidu reviewed the progress of relief and rehabilitation operations following the cyclone and sought detailed updates from senior officials and district collectors on the damage caused across affected districts. He stressed that restoration activities should be carried out on a priority basis, particularly in villages where residents continue to face disruptions.

The Chief Minister directed electricity officials to bring in additional technical personnel from other regions and neighbouring states to speed up power restoration. According to the assessment presented during the review, electricity supply had been restored in 4,771 of the 5,400 affected villages under the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company, while work remained pending in 629 villages. In Krishna district, power supply had been restored in 835 of the 915 affected villages, with repair operations continuing in the remaining 80 villages. Naidu asked officials to ensure that electricity reaches all affected communities as early as possible.

Road connectivity was another major concern discussed during the review. Approximately 2,396 kilometres of major district and state roads have been damaged across several districts. West Godavari reported the highest extent of damage, followed by Konaseema, East Godavari, Srikakulam and other affected regions. Officials informed the Chief Minister that 22 of the 62 reported road breaches had been repaired, while work was continuing at the remaining locations. Teams have also cleared all 2,264 fallen trees that had obstructed roads. Connectivity has been restored at 99 of the 133 locations where road movement was disrupted.

Naidu also expressed concern over interruptions to mobile communication services and asked telecommunications companies to accelerate repair work. He emphasised that reliable communication is essential for residents to access emergency assistance and for authorities to coordinate relief operations. Agricultural losses were also highlighted during the review. Preliminary assessments indicated that crops spread across more than 3.3 lakh hectares in 16 districts had been affected. West Godavari recorded the largest agricultural damage, followed by Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema and Krishna.

Horticultural crops covering around 22,452 hectares in 15 districts were also reported to have suffered damage. Officials are assessing the extent of losses and examining measures to protect crops that may still be recoverable. The Chief Minister called for expert advice from agricultural scientists and specialists to identify suitable restoration methods, including efforts to revive uprooted coconut trees. Rainfall recorded between October 26 and 29 contributed significant water inflows into reservoirs and irrigation systems across the state. Officials estimated that the rainfall generated approximately 380 TMC of water inflows, while groundwater availability increased by around 44 TMC.

The Chief Minister instructed departments to maintain coordination and provide regular updates on restoration activities. He said the administration must remain focused on ensuring that affected residents receive the necessary support and that damaged infrastructure is restored quickly. The government is now concentrating on completing pending repairs, assessing agricultural losses and helping cyclone-affected communities return to normal life. The speed of restoration in the coming days will be crucial for residents, farmers and businesses dealing with the aftermath of the severe weather.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NCBN.