Cyclone Arnab: 157 Boats Damaged, Pawan Kalyan Seeks Relief for Fishermen, Weavers

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has urged the state government to provide compensation at the earliest to fishermen and handloom workers in Uppada who suffered losses due to Cyclone Arnab. He raised the issue during a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, in which he participated virtually. During discussions on cyclone damage and relief operations, Pawan Kalyan highlighted the hardships faced by coastal communities and called for immediate assistance to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods.

The cyclone damaged fishing boats along the Uppada coast and other coastal areas, leaving several fishermen facing financial difficulties. According to Pawan Kalyan, 40 fishing boats in Uppada and another 117 boats along the coastal areas of Konaseema district were damaged. He urged officials to assess the losses and expedite compensation so that fishermen could return to their work without prolonged financial uncertainty.

The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed that relief should extend to fishermen across Andhra Pradesh who lost their boats, fishing nets and other essential fishing equipment. He called for a timely assessment of the damage and the distribution of appropriate compensation to all eligible beneficiaries.

Handloom workers in Uppada were another group affected by the cyclone. Heavy rainfall resulted in water entering weaving looms, while damaged electricity lines disrupted their work. These problems affected production and threatened the incomes of families dependent on the handloom sector. Pawan Kalyan asked the government to evaluate the losses suffered by weavers and provide financial assistance to help them resume their activities.

He also acknowledged the measures taken by the state government to manage the cyclone and coordinate emergency operations. Pawan Kalyan appreciated Chandrababu Naidu’s monitoring of the situation and coordination among departments following the initial cyclone warnings.

The response included alerting district administrations, shifting residents from low-lying areas to safer locations, arranging facilities at rehabilitation centres and maintaining access to emergency services. These measures were aimed at protecting lives and minimising damage to property.

Pawan Kalyan also appreciated the contributions of ministers, district collectors, superintendents of police and officials from various departments involved in relief operations. He emphasised the need for swift compensation and rehabilitation support, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities whose livelihoods were directly affected by the cyclone.