Amaravati, October 29, 2026: Andhra Pradesh has begun large-scale restoration and damage assessment after Cyclone Arnab battered the coast with winds reaching around 150 kmph, damaging power infrastructure, crops, roads and homes across several districts.
Officials and media reports have placed the cyclone-related death toll between five and seven, while authorities continue verifying individual cases.
Thousands of Power Poles Damaged
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said around 15,000 electricity poles were uprooted or damaged during the cyclone.
Power supply has been restored across most affected districts, though work remains underway in parts of Konaseema and West Godavari.
Seven Deaths Reported
The Indian Express and New Indian Express reported seven deaths linked to falling trees, electrocution, collapsing structures and flooding.
The Andhra Pradesh government had officially confirmed five deaths while verification continued.
₹5 Lakh Compensation Announced
The state government has announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia for the families of confirmed cyclone victims.
Additional financial assistance is also being considered for people whose homes and livelihoods were affected.
More Than 2 Lakh Hectares of Crops Hit
Preliminary assessments indicate that around 2.2 lakh hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops may have been affected.
Paddy, banana, cotton, sugarcane and vegetable-growing regions are among the areas under assessment.
852 Gram Panchayats Affected
Government reports show that the cyclone affected 852 gram panchayats across 75 mandals.
Hundreds of trees blocked rural roads, while drainage systems and drinking-water infrastructure also suffered damage.
Central Team Sought for Damage Assessment
Chief Minister Naidu has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking an early visit by Central assessment teams.
The state is requesting financial assistance for damaged crops, roads, electricity infrastructure and public assets.
Heavy Rain Threat Not Over
Although Arnab has weakened significantly after moving inland, the IMD has warned that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall may continue in parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
Authorities remain alert to flooding and landslide risks.
Relief and Restoration Continue
Thousands of government workers, NDRF and SDRF personnel remain deployed.
Teams are clearing roads, restoring electricity, draining flooded areas and assessing damage to houses and agriculture.
Government Says Advance Planning Reduced Losses
Naidu said early evacuation, weather monitoring and coordination between departments helped limit casualties.
More than 1.8 lakh people were evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha before the cyclone struck.
Focus Shifts From Rescue to Recovery
With the cyclone weakening, the immediate priority has shifted from evacuation to restoring power, roads, drinking water and livelihoods.
A clearer estimate of the total financial damage is expected after field-level surveys are completed.
Source: Reuters, The Indian Express, The New Indian Express, Andhra Pradesh Government
Supreme News Network
