KAKINADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday made an aerial survey in cyclone-affected areas of Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, inspected relief centres at Gachakayalapora village in Mummidivaram constituency, and interacted with cyclone victims.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister explained cyclone relief and restoration measures being undertaken by the government. He announced that Central teams would visit the State on Friday to assess the cyclone damage. The preliminary estimates put the loss caused by Cyclone Arnab at Rs 4,600 crore, and the figure could increase after a detailed assessment, he said.
Naidu said he spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and explained the damage caused by cyclone Arnab in Andhra Pradesh, besides submitting a preliminary damage report to the Centre.
‘We took steps to reduce loss of life substantially’
A compensation of Rs 1,500 will be provided to each damaged coconut and oil palm tree. Families returning from relief camps will be given 25 kg of rice, a packet of essential commodities and financial assistance for their immediate expenses. Crop insurance has already been provided to farmers. They will receive compensation if their crop yields decline due to the cyclone. After assessing the damage, compensation for agricultural and horticultural crops will be credited to farmers’ bank accounts at the earliest, he explained.
The Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh had faced several cyclones in the past. “Taking lessons from past disasters, we have implemented precautionary measures, and significantly mitigated the loss of life. Despite all precautions, seven people unfortunately lost their lives. Ambedkar Konaseema and West Godavari districts are among the worst affected. We monitored the situation from Srikakulam to Krishna district, and coordinated relief operations through RTGS,” he highlighted.
Naidu said, “Some people have ridiculed the government for taking extensive precautions, while others have made political remarks about relief measures. I have told officials not to be distracted by such criticism. We are working to minimise inconvenience to people, and restore telecommunications at the earliest.” He said around 8,000 electric poles had fallen in Konaseema district alone. All damaged poles would be replaced and power supply restored at the earliest. “We have requested the Telangana government to send 1,000 electrical personnel to assist in power restoration work. If necessary, teams will also be mobilised from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,” Naidu said.
When some women informed him that their huts had collapsed, the CM directed the District Collector to take steps to restore the damaged huts. He also instructed officials to examine, as per the applicable rules, the possibility of issuing house-site pattas to poor families living on government land.
