APSDRF rescues 8 people and evacuates 341 during Cyclone Arnab

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) shifted 341 people to safe locations, rescued 8 individuals, and recovered one body during Cyclone Arnab. According to a report by The Hindu, IGP (Operations) C. Srikanth and senior officers of the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) met DGP Harish Kumar Gupta at the Police Headquarters in Mangalagiri on Monday (9 November, 2026) and provided detailed information regarding the operations carried out by the APSDRF during this natural disaster.

SDRF officials stated that 11 special teams comprising 328 officers and personnel were deployed to provide services in the state from 27 October to 1 November. These rescue and relief operations were carried out in Bapatla, Konaseema, Kakinada, Srikakulam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, West Godavari, East Godavari, Polavaram, and Anakapalli districts.

IGP Srikanth stated that a total of 728 fallen trees were removed to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles, road clearing operations were conducted at 58 locations, and 31 electric poles lying on the roads were removed. The 'Dial 112' State Control Room played a crucial role in providing assistance to people stranded in the cyclone throughout this operation.

The control room staff received 369 emergency calls related to the cyclone from 17 districts. Through the coordination of Dial-112, the SDRF rescued 40 passengers travelling in a bus stranded in floodwaters in Srikakulam. Additionally, in another incident, personnel helped rescue 8 fishermen who were put at risk due to the cyclone.

DGP Harish Kumar Gupta praised the courage, dedication, and commitment of the APSDRF in saving lives during disasters. He stated that their services are a matter of pride for the police department. On this occasion, the DGP honoured officers and personnel who displayed exceptional bravery in rescue and relief operations during the cyclone with awards.