Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday directed officials to expedite relief operations, restore electricity, and fast-track compensation for people in areas affected by Cyclone Arnab, as the government continued relief and restoration work following the severe weather event.
Reviewing the ground situation during a teleconference with district collectors and administrative officials from various departments, the Chief Minister emphasised that all relief and restoration works must continue uninterrupted until total normalcy is achieved.
Naidu stated that officials should restore electricity supply in every cyclone-affected locality and expedite compensation payments for those impacted, while maintaining rigorous field operations until daily routines resume. Officials informed the Chief Minister during the review that a comprehensive preliminary report detailing the cyclone damage would be submitted on Thursday.
Naidu instructed authorities to fast-track damage assessments and distribute financial aid to affected residents, excluding agricultural crop losses, since a separate government order regarding crop compensation has already been issued. He commended the state administration for maintaining a proactive response throughout the natural disaster and highlighted the importance of supporting victims through robust planning and timely assistance.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Rayalaseema region is currently facing agricultural challenges due to the impact of El Nino, whereas other parts of the state have sustained damages from Cyclone Arnab. He stressed that administrative machinery must respond effectively to both distinct challenges simultaneously.
Naidu noted that weather conditions remain unfavorable for sowing crops in Rayalaseema, while farmers situated in North Andhra, coastal districts, and the Godavari river region have experienced significant damage to standing crops and coconut plantations.
To facilitate recovery, Naidu ordered workers to immediately clear fallen trees from roadways and remove debris accumulated during the storm. He also underscored the necessity of taking preventive precautions to avoid structural breaches in local water tanks and irrigation canals.
Agricultural officials, scientists, and students were urged by the Chief Minister to inspect waterlogged fields to determine whether specific crops could be salvaged and to explore methods for preventing further agricultural deterioration.
Furthermore, Naidu instructed department heads to evaluate the feasibility of replanting uprooted coconut trees and other horticultural crops, while ensuring that appropriate government schemes are implemented to support impacted farmers.
He emphasized that modern technology should be utilized to accelerate crop damage evaluations and guarantee that relief reaches all designated recipients without administrative delays.
Concluding his remarks, Naidu reiterated that officials must maintain a supportive presence in cyclone-hit communities until complete normalcy returns, while actively keeping the public informed of ongoing restoration efforts to ensure community cooperation.