CYCLONE ARNAB LEAVES ANDHRA FACING ₹4,600-CRORE DAMAGE BILL AS NAIDU VOWS FARMER COMPENSATION

October 29, 2026

AMARAVATI, OCTOBER 29, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has estimated that Cyclone Arnab has caused losses of at least ₹4,600 crore across the state, warning that the financial toll could rise as assessments of the devastation continue.

During a visit to cyclone-affected areas in Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Thursday, Naidu inspected damaged agricultural fields and spoke with affected residents. He said the state had submitted a preliminary damage report and that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised to send a central assessment team on Friday.

Agriculture and horticulture have suffered significant damage, with inundated paddy fields, aquaculture ponds and affected banana and coconut plantations reported across several districts. Naidu assured farmers that losses would be assessed and compensation provided. He also announced compensation of ₹1,500 for each uprooted coconut tree and oil palm tree.

Families leaving cyclone shelters will receive relief kits containing 25 kilograms of rice, other essential supplies and some cash assistance. The chief minister said advance crop insurance provisions would help compensate farmers for reduced yields.

The cyclone has also disrupted electricity and telecommunications. Naidu reported that approximately 8,000 electric poles had been uprooted in Konaseema district and promised their repair and the restoration of power supplies. Around 1,000 electricity workers from Telangana were being brought in to assist with recovery operations.

Acknowledging the loss of seven lives despite precautionary measures, Naidu identified Konaseema and West Godavari among the worst-affected districts.

The government now faces the task of restoring essential services, assessing agricultural losses and delivering assistance to affected communities. The final damage estimate remains subject to further assessment.