Naidu’s quick action curbs damage from Cyclone Arnab in West Godavari

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s swift actions kept Cyclone Arnab’s damage limited and averted large loss of life. He monitored the storm continuously with district collectors using the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS). Aerial surveys and field visits to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and West Godavari districts on Oct 29 and Oct 30 reassured residents. The cyclone struck only days before the 2026 local body elections, raising pressure on the administration. Naidu watched live CCTV feeds from the RTGS centre in the Secretariat and issued orders round the clock. He instructed officials to clear fallen trees and remove blockages on national highways without delay. Power supply was restored on a war footing across the affected areas. Complaints received via the Mana Mitra platform, WhatsApp, social media and control rooms were forwarded to relevant departments for immediate action. The chief minister praised the dedication of officials and frontline workers for their timely response. He submitted a preliminary loss estimate for agriculture and other sectors to the Union government, seeking financial aid for recovery. The combined effort aimed at protecting lives, limiting property loss and restoring essential services.

Context

Cyclone Arnab followed a pattern of severe storms that have hit the region, such as Hudhud in 2014 and Titli in 2018, prompting the state to rely on real‑time monitoring and rapid field action to reduce impact.