Over 600 Andhra Pradesh schools converted into cyclone relief shelters

Schools across 16 coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh have been pressed into service as relief shelters as Cyclone Arnab batters the region. According to official reports, 609 educational institutions have been converted into temporary relief centres to accommodate displaced residents and provide essential services during the cyclone.

The closures span a significant portion of the state's coastal belt, with authorities prioritising the safety of students and staff while utilising school infrastructure for emergency response. The decision reflects the scale of the cyclone's impact on the region and the need for rapid mobilisation of available resources.

To support relief and rescue efforts, authorities have activated a substantial volunteer workforce comprising 17,054 members drawn from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Scout organisations. These trained volunteers are assisting with evacuation efforts, managing relief shelters, and distributing essential supplies to affected communities.

The coordinated response involving educational institutions and organised volunteer networks underscores the state's disaster management strategy, which emphasises community participation and the utilisation of existing infrastructure during emergencies. As the cyclone continues to move through the region, schools are expected to remain operational as relief centres until normalcy is restored.