Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Face Heavy Crop and Infrastructure Loss From Back-to-Back Cyclones

Quick action by authorities and early planning kept deaths low when back-to-back cyclones named Arnab and Murasu hit the Andhra Pradesh coast. Cyclone Arnab hit land on October 28, causing an estimated ₹4,526 crore in damage in Andhra Pradesh. Early estimates for Cyclone Murasu, which crossed the coast on November 3, show that about 52,500 hectares of standing crops were damaged. Seven people died across the State due to these two storms. The first cyclone also ruined nearly 90,000 hectares of crops in southern Odisha. Teams from Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu traveled to Andhra Pradesh to help with rescue work.

Technology

The use of the Real Time Governance Society and other tech tools helped lower loss of life and property. Back in October 2014, Cyclone Hudhud caused 63 deaths and about ₹22,000 crore in damage in Andhra Pradesh. As natural disasters happen more often in India, universities in science and technology need to work closely with central and State governments. Authorities also need to build a better system to pay farmers for crop losses.

Policy

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana crop insurance scheme, launched ten years ago, fails to give farmers full protection from bad weather. The Union government should fix the scheme to get more farmers to join, while State governments must build better awareness and add extra top-up benefits. The Centre should also give money for permanent rebuilding projects. While disaster funds now cover recovery work following a push from the 15th Finance Commission, the Centre must offer extra help for major public property damage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre need to work with States using cooperative federalism.

Context

India's coastal regions face frequent and intense tropical storms, making pre-disaster planning and quick rescue systems vital for saving lives. Crop insurance and disaster relief funds act as key safety nets for rural communities hit by extreme weather events. Stronger public infrastructure and financial support help regions recover faster after natural disasters strike.