Andhra CM seeks urgent central aid after Arnab, Murasu cyclones batter state

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday sought immediate interim financial assistance from the Centre after the state was hit by two cyclones within a week.Naidu estimated the preliminary losses caused by Cyclone Murasu at Rs 1,919.59 crore. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said heavy rain and strong winds had extensively damaged infrastructure, including electricity networks and roads.According to a press release, the chief minister informed Shah that the state had suffered extensive damage from successive cyclones and sought immediate interim assistance for relief and recovery efforts.Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was still recovering from Cyclone Arnab, which struck on October 27, when Murasu hit the state. Farmers and fishermen suffered losses twice in the same season. According to the letter, Cyclone Murasu damaged crops across more than 1.43 lakh hectares and affected over 1.86 lakh farmers. Preliminary losses in the agriculture sector were estimated at Rs 875 crore. Horticultural crops were damaged across 6,504 hectares, affecting 12,178 farmers and causing estimated losses of Rs 337 crore.Naidu said the cyclone also caused extensive damage to animal husbandry, aquaculture, housing, irrigation, electricity, Panchayat Raj, education and health sectors. He said a comprehensive assessment would be carried out after the floodwaters receded and a detailed report would be submitted to the Centre within 15 days.The chief minister urged the Union Home Ministry to immediately sanction interim assistance for farmers, fishermen, families whose houses were damaged and other affected groups. He also sought support to restore essential infrastructure and services across the state.Immediate assistance from the Centre would provide relief to affected people and help the state restore normalcy, the press release said.Cyclone Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole, between Nellore and Narsapur, on Tuesday. Eight people died in the cyclone, officials told PTI.Cyclone Arnab had brought heavy rain to several parts of the state, particularly coastal districts. It uprooted trees and electricity poles and damaged roads. Five people were killed in related incidents, including electrocution.With the two cyclones causing deaths and widespread damage within a week, Naidu has sought immediate central assistance while the state prepares a detailed assessment of the losses.- Ends