CM Chandrababu Naidu to visit cyclone affected regions on Thursday

CM announce Financial assistance and relief measures for Cyclone victims

Preliminary assessment of cyclone damage to be submitted to the Centre:CM

Government’s objective to provide timely services, support to affected families and instil confidence:CM

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that he would visit cyclone affected regions – probably Konaseema and West Godavari districts on Thursday afternoon to personally assess the extent of the damage. He said that he wrote to the Centre on Wednesday seeking assistance for cyclone damage and also briefed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the intensity of the cyclone and its impact on Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said a preliminary assessment of the damage will be submitted to the Centre, followed by a comprehensive report. He said Coconut plantations and other horticultural crops suffered damage.
Addressing media persons at Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre at the Secretariat this eveningssthe Chief Minister outlined the government’s response to Cyclone Arnab, the damage caused by the storm, and the relief measures being extended to affected people.The Chief Minister thanked officials and field-level staff for their continuous efforts over the past three days.
The Chief Minister expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to the cyclone. He said two people died in Visakhapatnam after being struck by an electric pole and a falling tree, while one person each died in Anakapalli and Bhimavaram.
He said Special attention was given to ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supplies and sanitation in affected areas.
The Chief Minister announced the relief measures including 25 kg of rice for families whose houses were inundated, Weavers and fishermen: 50 kg of rice, along with one kilogram each of onions, cooking oil and red gram dal. Financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per person will be given.Families of deceased persons will be given Compensation of Rs 5 lakh each.
The Chief Minister said agricultural and horticultural crops would be enumerated to assess losses and extend support to affected farmers.Financial assistance to affected people in the districts will begin from Thursday, excluding crop-related compensation, which will follow the damage assessment process. A decision on the relief measures will be taken at the virtual Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The Chief Minister said technology had transformed the state’s approach to cyclone preparedness. In the past, when a cyclone threatened the state, the administration had to remain on alert across a wide stretch from Srikakulam to Nellore. Now, technology helps authorities identify the likely landfall and impact zones more precisely and alert the areas at risk.He outlined the government’s approach as prediction, accuracy and field-level preparedness, adding that the objective was to respond effectively to natural disasters and significantly minimise loss of life and property.He said the reduction in obstructions in canals had also helped minimise inundation in several areas.The Chief Minister, officials, district collectors and field-level staff worked through out night to manage the situation. The administration deployed personnel wherever they were needed rather than mobilising the entire machinery indiscriminately.
The Chief Minister stated that the state’s average rainfall deficit had declined from 39 per cent to 27 per cent following the rains associated with Cyclone Arnab.He also alleged that the previous government had neglected the Real Time Governance Centre for political reasons.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said the government’s objective was to provide timely services, support to affected families and instil confidence among the public. He thanked people for cooperating with the government and following the advisories issued by the authorities.