Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, 30 October visited flood-hit areas in West Godavari district to assess damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, assuring farmers, fishermen, and affected residents of full government support. The state has submitted a preliminary damage report to the Centre estimating losses at ₹4,600 crore, with seven lives lost in the disaster.

Ground Assessment in West Godavari

Chief Minister Naidu inspected inundated agricultural fields, interacted directly with farmers, and enquired about the extent of crop insurance coverage. He also reviewed electricity restoration works being carried out on a 'war footing' and appreciated linemen and electricity department personnel working round the clock in cyclone-hit zones.

Travelling from Narsapuram to Matrevu, Naidu inspected damaged coconut plantations along the route. In Matrevu village — one of the worst-affected localities — he visited a cyclone relief centre, where women described the anxiety they experienced as the storm crossed the coast. Fishermen from the Vasista Godavari region raised their concerns directly with him, and Naidu directed officials to desilt the canal near the sea mouth to restore fishing operations.

Damage on the Ground

The scale of destruction in West Godavari alone is significant. According to the Chief Minister, more than 15,000 electricity poles have collapsed across affected areas, and 12,500 trees were uprooted in West Godavari district. Coconut plantations and paddy crops have both sustained heavy damage. Power supply is expected to be fully restored by Saturday evening, with household connections prioritised ahead of agricultural connections.

Steps are also under way to restore disrupted communication services at the earliest, Naidu said, adding that debris from fallen trees will be cleared on priority.

Relief Measures and Compensation

The state government has initiated relief and rehabilitation on an emergency basis. Essential ration supplies, including rice, are being distributed to all affected families. The families of the seven people who lost their lives will receive compensation of ₹5 lakh each, Naidu confirmed while addressing media.

On the agriculture front, Naidu said the government has taken steps to ensure that every acre in the state is covered under crop insurance through the e-Crop system. Input subsidies, he added, would help compensate farmers for crop losses. 'The coalition government was committed to ensuring that farmers do not suffer losses even during difficult times,' he said, assuring that problems could be resolved permanently with farmer cooperation.

Centre Report and Next Steps

A preliminary report estimating cyclone-related losses at ₹4,600 crore has been submitted to the Centre. A comprehensive damage assessment is under way, and a detailed report will be submitted subsequently. Naidu said the government's objective is to ensure 'justice and assistance to every last person affected by the cyclone.' The full damage picture — covering agricultural, infrastructure, and livelihood losses — is expected to be finalised shortly.