Oct 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday assured comprehensive support to farmers who suffered crop losses due to Cyclone Arnab, as he visited flood-affected areas of West Godavari district to assess the damage and review relief and restoration measures.
The Chief Minister inspected inundated agricultural fields and interacted with affected farmers, enquiring about the extent of crop insurance coverage. He said the state government had taken steps to bring every acre under crop insurance through the e-Crop system.
Naidu said input subsidy provided by the government would help farmers recover from their losses. He reiterated that the coalition government was committed to ensuring that farmers were supported even during difficult circumstances and assured them that their problems could be resolved permanently with their cooperation.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also reviewed electricity restoration works being carried out on a war footing. He appreciated electricity department personnel and other workers for their efforts to restore power supply in cyclone-affected areas.
Naidu inspected damaged coconut plantations along the route from Narsapuram to Matrevu before visiting Matrevu village, which was severely affected by the cyclone. He interacted with residents taking shelter at the local cyclone relief centre. Women shared their concerns and recounted the anxiety they experienced as the cyclone crossed the coast.
Fishermen from the Vasista Godavari region also brought their grievances to the Chief Minister’s attention. Naidu assured them that their concerns would be addressed and directed officials to desilt the canal near the sea mouth and make it suitable for fishing activities.
Addressing the media later, the Chief Minister said the government had taken comprehensive measures to prevent loss of life and property. However, seven people had unfortunately died in the cyclone.
He said more than 15,000 electricity poles had collapsed across the affected areas and assured that power supply would be fully restored by Saturday evening. Electricity restoration would prioritise households, followed by agricultural fields.
The government is also taking steps to restore communication services immediately. West Godavari district alone reported the uprooting of around 12,500 trees, with officials directed to clear the fallen trees and debris at the earliest.
Naidu said coconut plantations and paddy crops had suffered extensive damage. The state government has submitted a preliminary report to the Centre estimating cyclone-related losses at ₹4,600 crore. A comprehensive assessment is being undertaken, after which a detailed report will be submitted.
The Chief Minister announced that families of those who lost their lives would receive compensation of ₹5 lakh each. He said relief and rehabilitation measures had been initiated on priority, with essential ration supplies, including rice, being distributed to affected families.
“Our objective is to ensure justice and assistance to every last person affected by the cyclone,” Naidu said, assuring that the government would continue its efforts to support affected residents and restore normalcy.
