AP CM Naidu seeks immediate central assistance for cyclone-hit Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati, Nov 7 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday sought immediate interim financial assistance from the Centre to provide relief to people affected by two successive cyclones that hit the state within a week.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Minister said preliminary estimates had put the damage caused by Cyclone Murusu at Rs 1,919.59 crore, following extensive losses to agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors.
Naidu said the state was still recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab on October 27 when Cyclone Murusu struck, causing further hardship to farmers and fishermen.
According to the preliminary assessment, Cyclone Murusu damaged agricultural crops across 1,43,122 hectares, affecting 1,86,063 farmers, with estimated losses of Rs 874.96 crore.
Horticultural crops were damaged across 6,504.38 hectares, affecting 12,178 farmers, resulting in estimated losses of Rs 337.10 crore, he said.
The Chief Minister also informed the Union Home Minister of damage to the animal husbandry, aquaculture, housing, irrigation, electricity, Panchayat Raj, education and health sectors.
He said heavy rains and strong winds had caused extensive damage to electricity networks, roads and other essential infrastructure.
Naidu said a comprehensive assessment would be undertaken after floodwaters receded and a detailed report would be submitted to the Centre within the next 15 days.
Seeking immediate interim assistance, he said central support was essential to provide relief to affected farmers, fishermen and families whose houses were damaged, besides restoring essential infrastructure and public services.
He said timely financial assistance from the Centre would help the state provide relief to affected people and accelerate restoration of normalcy.
TNT KM
