Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 29 October 2026, reviewed the relief and restoration operations across Cyclone Arnab-affected districts in the state, directing officials to sustain efforts until full normalcy is restored on the ground. The review was conducted via a teleconference with departmental heads and District Collectors from Amaravati.

Key Directions from the Chief Minister

Naidu instructed the administrative machinery not to stand down until affected communities return to normal life. He emphasised that the administration must act effectively on two fronts simultaneously — managing cyclone aftermath in coastal and Godavari districts while addressing El Niño-driven agricultural stress in the Rayalaseema region. Officials informed the Chief Minister that a preliminary damage assessment report would be submitted during the day.

Naidu directed that compensation to affected individuals — excluding crop loss, which is being assessed separately — be expedited under the already-issued Government Order (GO). He also ordered that power supply be restored across all affected areas by Friday.

Cyclone Arnab: Scale of Damage

The cyclone caused significant damage in North Andhra, coastal districts, and the Godavari belt, where standing crops have been lost and coconut plantations have suffered extensive damage. In contrast, the Rayalaseema region is grappling with unseasonal dryness linked to El Niño, rendering conditions unsuitable for sowing. Chief Minister Naidu acknowledged that the administration had managed to keep the loss of life and property to a minimum, and noted that precautions had already been taken to prevent breaches in tanks and canals.

Clearance of fallen trees is largely complete, though Naidu directed that any remaining blockages on roads be removed immediately, alongside debris accumulated from the cyclone.

Agricultural Recovery Measures

'We must use a well-structured plan to help the people overcome the impact of these natural disasters,' Naidu said during the teleconference. He called on agricultural officials, scientists, and students to study the extent to which submerged crops can be salvaged and to explore ways to prevent complete crop loss due to soil and silt. He also asked officials to assess the feasibility of replanting trees, coconut palms, and various horticultural crops.

Naidu directed officials to utilise technology to expedite the preparation of crop loss estimates and to implement relevant state schemes for compensating both agriculture and horticulture farmers for losses sustained during the cyclone.

Administration Praised, Next Steps Outlined

The Chief Minister commended the administrative machinery for its performance during Cyclone Arnab, calling the response 'exceptional.' Damage estimates are to be prepared promptly, and the government is expected to announce a broader rehabilitation framework once the preliminary damage report is formally submitted. All eyes are now on the pace of power restoration, debris clearance, and farmer compensation disbursal over the coming days.