Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the phone to review the situation following Cyclone Murasu, which crossed the state’s coast earlier in the day, and assured him of all possible assistance from the Centre.
In a post on X, HM Shah said teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were already deployed in cyclone-affected areas and carrying out relief operations.
“I assured him that the Central Government will provide all kinds of assistance and support. Already, NDRF and SDRF teams are on the ground, undertaking relief measures and standing as a support for the people in the cyclone-affected areas. The Government of India stands with the people of Andhra Pradesh with a firm resolve to face any kind of situation,” Shah said.
During the conversation, Naidu briefed the Home Minister on the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent impact of Cyclone Murasu.
The Chief Minister informed HM Shah about crop losses and damage to property reported across several districts. He also thanked the Centre for sending a team to assess the destruction caused by Cyclone Arnab.
Naidu sought adequate financial and logistical assistance from the Union government to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the successive cyclones.
Meanwhile, Naidu thanked Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the people of Karnataka for extending assistance to Andhra Pradesh during Cyclone Murasu.
In a post on X, Naidu expressed gratitude for Karnataka’s timely support, saying the assistance provided during the state’s hour of need would not be forgotten.
Shivakumar had earlier announced that teams from Karnataka were being sent to Andhra Pradesh to assist with relief and restoration operations.
“Our teams are on their way to Andhra Pradesh to support relief and restoration efforts in the cyclone-affected areas. Karnataka stands with the people of Andhra Pradesh, and we will extend every possible support during this difficult time,” he said.
Shivakumar also said he had spoken to Naidu and assured him of Karnataka’s full support in addressing the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.
According to Shivakumar, more than 15,000 electricity poles were uprooted during the cyclone, severely affecting power infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
“With over 15,000 electricity poles uprooted by Arnab, the restoration of power infrastructure is critical, and Andhra Pradesh has sought Karnataka’s assistance in this effort. Our Energy Department is coordinating the assistance, with Energy Minister Shri K.J. George closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
The Karnataka government is deploying 500 skilled personnel, along with necessary equipment, to accelerate repair work and restore electricity supply in cyclone-affected areas at the earliest, Shivakumar added.
(IANS Inputs)
