Andhra Pradesh estimates ₹4,600 crore loss from Cyclone Arnab as relief and rescue efforts continue

UPDATE - follow-up to Cyclone Arnab updates: Cyclone wreaks havoc in Odisha, over 55,000 evacuated across 9 districts: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that preliminary estimates put the state's losses from the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab at at least ₹4,600 crore. Mr. Naidu reported this figure following an aerial survey of affected areas in the Krishna and Godavari regions.

Relief And Damage

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar stated that the power sector alone suffered ₹500 crore in damages. The government deployed around 1,700 personnel for emergency repairs, joined by an additional 500 employees from the three DISCOMs and 500 workers from Telangana. Restoration efforts focus heavily on Palakollu, Bhimavaram, and Narsapur. Meanwhile, about 10,000 people from Ichchapuram and nearby villages in Srikakulam district relocated to school relief camps after the Bahuda river flooded the area. Srikakulam Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar noted that water is receding quickly, though crop damage across the district spans 21,519 hectares. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard airlifted and rescued all 20 crew members of the stranded Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier vessel, Sigma Pearl, off the coast of Antaravedi in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Context

Cyclines frequently impact India's eastern coastline during the post-monsoon season, bringing intense rainfall and high wind speeds that overwhelm local infrastructure. Severe storms routinely cause widespread power outages, crop loss, and transport disruptions that demand large-scale inter-state rescue coordination.