Andhra Pradesh Estimates Cyclone Arnab Damage at 4600 Crore Rupees Following Coastal Damage
Andhra Pradesh reported a preliminary estimate of 4,600 crore rupees in losses following Cyclone Arnab, according to reporting by The Hindu on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted an aerial inspection across impacted localities in the Krishna and Godavari districts, traveling toward Cheyyeru village within Katrenikona mandal in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. Meeting with impacted villagers at Gacchakayala Pora in Mummidivaram mandal, the Chief Minister stated that prior evacuation measures limited human casualties to seven individuals.
Utility Disruption and Inter-State Restoration
Restoration of electrical infrastructure emerged as an immediate administrative priority across coastal settlements. At least 8,000 electrical utility poles were brought down in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district alone, while neighboring West Godavari district registered 3,700 uprooted poles, according to Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, who calculated initial electricity infrastructure losses at approximately 500 crore rupees. To accelerate power restoration before Saturday, the state administration requested 1,000 technical personnel from Telangana, with plans to seek 2,000 additional workers from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka alongside specialized mechanical equipment.
Agricultural Compensation and Central Evaluation
Chief Minister Naidu outlined relief payments for agricultural and horticultural producers whose crops and trees had been damaged by high winds and flooding. Farmers will receive compensation of 1,500 rupees for each damaged coconut and oil palm tree, with comprehensive crop input subsidies to be finalized following ongoing field enumerations. Families evacuated to temporary relief centers will receive 25-kg bags of rice along with direct financial assistance. Following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a Central damage evaluation team is scheduled to visit Konaseema and West Godavari districts on Friday. In response to representations submitted by resident farmers, Naidu committed to resolving the physical obstruction of the Kunavaram drain in Konaseema district to prevent the recurring submersion of standing crops. The Chief Minister said the state would examine whether underground electrical lines could be installed across vulnerable coastal corridors to prevent future cyclone-induced blackout events.
The administration mobilized 30,000 personnel in relief operations, directing district collectors to restore damaged huts, sanction pucca houses, and start registration for cyclone victims, according to Deccan Chronicle.
Naidu also recalled earlier storms, including the Divi Seema cyclone of 1977, a cyclone in Konaseema around three decades ago, and Hudhud, Titli and Montha.
Emergency Relocations and Maritime Rescues
Precautionary public health initiatives undertaken ahead of the storm resulted in the transfer of 3,100 pregnant women to medical institutions, leading to 367 safe hospital deliveries across affected zones. Emergency response agencies, including the State Disaster Response and Fire Services, mobilized personnel to clear more than 10,000 fallen trees blocking transportation corridors. Off the coast of Antarvedi in Konaseema district, Indian Coast Guard helicopters evacuated 13 crew members from the stranded cargo vessel Sigma Pearl, transferring them safely to the offshore patrol vessel Sujay.