Chandrababu Naidu’s prompt response helps minimise cyclone damage

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu looks at photographs depicting cyclone damage during his visit to the affected areas in Mogalthur, West Godavari district, on Friday.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s prompt response to the situation caused by Cyclone Arnab helped minimise property damage and prevent a major loss of life.

His continuous monitoring of the situation in coordination with Collectors of the affected districts and through the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) facilitated effective damage control. His aerial surveys and field visits to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and West Godavari districts on October 29 and 30 instilled confidence among people affected by the severe cyclone. The storm brought back memories of Cyclone Hudhud, which struck Visakhapatnam in 2014. Mr. Naidu had swung into action soon after the cyclone abated, camping in the city for a week. He had also taken similar measures when Cyclone Titli ravaged Srikakulam district in 2018, according to official information.

The arrival of Cyclone Arnab just days before the 2026 local body elections made the challenge all the more demanding for the government. Mr. Naidu has been personally monitoring the situation round the clock to ensure that normalcy is restored in the cyclone-battered districts at the earliest.

Apart from regularly enquiring with Collectors and senior officials about the impact of the cyclone, he monitored live visuals from CCTV cameras across the affected districts at the RTGS Centre in the Secretariat and issued instructions on relief measures. He directed officials to remove fallen trees and clear obstructions on national highways without delay. He also ensured that power supply was restored on a war footing.

Complaints received through the Mana Mitra platform, WhatsApp, social media and control rooms are being forwarded to the departments concerned for prompt action on the ground. The Chief Minister appreciated the dedication of officials and frontline workers, whose timely response helped tackle the situation effectively. He stressed that protecting lives, minimising property damage and restoring essential services remained the government’s highest priorities.

He also promptly submitted a preliminary estimate of the losses suffered by the agriculture and other sectors to the Union government, seeking the necessary financial assistance to help the State recover from the crisis.