VIJAYAWADA:
Severe Cyclone Arnab has claimed five lives and caused extensive damage to crops and infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh after crossing the coast early on Wednesday. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Reviewing the situation at the Real Time Governance System centre at the State Secretariat, Naidu said three people died in Visakhapatnam district due to falling electric poles and trees, while one death each was reported in Anakapalli and Bhimavaram.
The cyclone uprooted around 15,000 electricity poles across the State. Preliminary estimates indicated that 3.45 lakh farmers had been affected, with crops inundated or damaged across 2,24,489 hectares in 14 districts.
The government is assessing losses to agricultural and horticultural crops and working to restore electricity and transport services in affected areas. Naidu expressed condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to expedite relief operations.
The cyclone’s impact on agriculture is a major concern, with standing crops damaged by strong winds and heavy rainfall. The government is expected to provide assistance to affected farmers based on assessments of crop losses.
The State administration is also monitoring damage to public infrastructure and residential areas as restoration work continues across the cyclone-hit districts.