Cyclone Arnab: AP reports massive crop loss, Centre promises support
Home Minister Amit Shah assures full central support and deployment of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to evaluate the cyclone's impact across four states
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Wednesday night that the severe cyclonic storm over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and the adjoining Bay of Bengal had moved slowly at around 8 kmph over the preceding six hours, weakening into a cyclonic storm.
"It is very likely to move north-northwestwards during the next 48 hours and weaken gradually. It will weaken into a deep depression by midnight of October 28, 2026," the IMD stated.
Despite the storm's weakening, several eastern states continue to face heavy rainfall and strong winds. Rain and squally winds lashed parts of West Bengal on Thursday as the storm weakened further into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha.
In Jharkhand, rain intensified in parts of the state on Thursday, and its weather department, Ranchi Meteorological Centre, has issued an alert for a downpour till next morning.
According to the IMD, the depression is expected to weaken to a well-marked low-pressure system by Thursday evening, though heavy rainfall will persist in West Bengal through Friday. The weather office also noted that a fresh low-pressure system formed over the South Andaman Sea on Thursday morning, which is likely to intensify into a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal as it moves west-northwestwards.
Relief operations underway in AP
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials on Thursday to expedite relief operations, restore electricity, and fast-track compensation in cyclone-affected regions.
During a teleconference, officials informed the Chief Minister that a preliminary damage report would be submitted on Thursday. Naidu instructed officials to fast-track compensation distribution for non-crop losses under existing government orders.
Addressing the dual climate challenges facing the state, Naidu highlighted that while Rayalaseema faces the impact of El NiƱo, other districts are reeling from Cyclone Arnab. He noted that conditions remain unfavorable for sowing in Rayalaseema, whereas farmers across North Andhra, coastal districts, and the Godavari region suffered severe damage to standing crops and coconut plantations.
Agriculture officials, scientists, and students have been tasked with identifying waterlogged crops that can be saved, exploring methods to replant uprooted coconut trees, and implementing targeted financial assistance schemes for farmers.
Centre assures support
Briefing the Centre on the disaster, Naidu held a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to an official release, the Chief Minister detailed the devastation across affected districts, including Visakhapatnam, Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, and Krishna.
Preliminary estimates indicate that agricultural crops over 70,000 hectares and horticultural crops across 10,500 hectares have been inundated, along with extensive damage to homes, roads, and power infrastructure.
The Home Minister also spoke with the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry to review the situation. He confirmed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) teams are carrying out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.
"IMCTs (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) will soon be sent to assess the impact and further assistance required. The Government of India stands with the people with resolute commitment," he posted on X.
(With agency inputs)