Cyclone Arnab kills five in Andhra Pradesh; CM announces relief

Cyclone Arnab has left a trail of destruction across Andhra Pradesh, resulting in at least five fatalities and widespread damage to crops and infrastructure, state authorities said on Monday. The severe weather system swept through multiple districts, impacting thousands of residents and disrupting normal life in affected areas.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the cyclone. The state government announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each of the bereaved families to provide immediate financial relief during this difficult period.

The cyclone caused substantial damage to agricultural holdings, destroying crops and damaging irrigation systems across affected regions. Several roads, power lines, and public infrastructure also suffered considerable destruction, hampering rescue and relief operations.

State officials have mobilized emergency response teams to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The government is working to restore essential services, including electricity and water supply, in the affected areas. Further updates on the casualty count and damage assessment are expected as survey teams complete their inspections.