Amaravati, 28 October (H.S.): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday announced relief measures for families affected by Cyclone Arnab and said he would visit cyclone-hit areas, including Konaseema and West Godavari districts, on Thursday afternoon to assess the damage. He said the government had written to the Centre seeking assistance and that a preliminary assessment of the damage would be submitted, followed by a comprehensive report.

Addressing the media at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre at the State Secretariat, Naidu said he had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the cyclone's intensity and its impact on Andhra Pradesh. He said coconut plantations and other horticultural crops had suffered damage, and the government would enumerate agricultural and horticultural losses before extending assistance to farmers.

The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of those who died during the cyclone. He said two people died in Visakhapatnam after being struck by an electric pole and a falling tree, while one person each died in Anakapalli and Bhimavaram.

Under the announced relief measures, families whose houses were inundated will receive 25 kg of rice. Weavers and fishermen will receive 50 kg of rice, along with one kilogram each of onions, cooking oil and red gram dal. Financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per person will also be provided, while the families of those who died will receive compensation of Rs 5 lakh each.

Naidu said financial assistance for affected people in the districts would begin on Thursday, excluding crop-related compensation, which would be determined after assessment of the damage. The relief measures will be taken up for a decision at the virtual Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The Chief Minister said the government had prioritised drinking water supply and sanitation in affected areas. He thanked officials, district collectors and field-level personnel for working through the night and coordinating relief operations over the past three days.

Explaining the state's preparedness, Naidu said technology had enabled officials to identify likely landfall and impact zones more precisely and alert vulnerable areas. Earlier, a cyclone threat required the administration to remain on alert across a broad stretch from Srikakulam to Nellore, whereas real-time information now helped deploy personnel where they were most needed, he said.

He described prediction, accuracy and field-level preparedness as key elements of the government's disaster response. Reduced obstructions in canals had also helped minimise inundation in several areas, he said.

Naidu said the state's rainfall deficit had declined from 39 per cent to 27 per cent following the rains associated with Cyclone Arnab. He also alleged that the previous government had neglected the RTGS Centre for political reasons.

The Chief Minister said the government's objective was to provide timely services, support affected families and restore public confidence. He thanked residents for cooperating with officials and following advisories issued during the cyclone.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar