CM Chandrababu Naidu seeks Centre's aid following Cyclones Arnab and Murusu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought immediate assistance from the Central Government regarding the extensive damage caused by two consecutive cyclones, Arnab and Murusu, that ravaged the state. According to a BusinessLine report, the Chief Minister wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday requesting immediate aid from the Centre.

Chief Minister Naidu stated that these two cyclones have caused severe damage in the state. According to preliminary estimates, the loss caused by Cyclone Murusu alone amounts to ₹1,919 crore. He has demanded immediate interim financial assistance from the Central Government to provide relief to the affected people and to accelerate recovery efforts.

Naidu clarified in the letter that a comprehensive assessment of the damage will be conducted once the floodwaters recede. Following the completion of this process, a detailed report will be submitted to the Central Government within the next 15 days.

According to the state government's preliminary estimates, Cyclone Murusu has caused massive destruction in the agricultural sector. Crops across a total area of 1,43,122 hectares have been damaged, affecting 1,86,063 farmers. The preliminary loss in the agricultural sector is estimated at ₹874 crore. Additionally, horticultural crops have also suffered significant damage, with 6,504 hectares of area affected and 12,178 farmers impacted. The estimated loss in the horticulture sector is stated to be ₹337 crore.

Losses have also been recorded in sectors other than agriculture. There are reports of damage in animal husbandry, aquaculture, housing, irrigation, electricity, panchayat raj, education, and health sectors. The Chief Minister added that immediate assistance from the Centre would provide great relief to the affected people and help the state government take necessary steps to restore normalcy.

Due to this natural disaster, infrastructure in several districts of the state has been damaged, disrupting normal public life. The state government is currently conducting relief operations in the affected areas and is awaiting central aid so that reconstruction work can begin swiftly.