Amaravati, 3 November (H.S.): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday thanked Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the people of Karnataka for extending assistance to the state during the cyclone emergency, saying their support would never be forgotten.

Naidu expressed gratitude for Karnataka's timely response as Andhra Pradesh dealt with the impact of Cyclone Arnab and prepared for Cyclone Murasu, which crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast early Tuesday.

Karnataka has deployed 500 skilled electricity department personnel along with equipment to help restore power infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab. More than 15,000 electricity poles were uprooted during the earlier cyclone, disrupting power supply in several areas.

Shivakumar had assured Naidu of Karnataka's full support following a request from the Andhra Pradesh government. Karnataka's Energy Department is coordinating the assistance, with Energy Minister K.J. George monitoring the restoration work.

The teams are expected to work in coordination with Andhra Pradesh officials to repair damaged infrastructure and expedite restoration of electricity supply. Karnataka has also assured further assistance depending on the situation.

Cyclone Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 3.30 am and 5.30 am on Tuesday, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar