Cyclone Arnab and Our Konaseema: Standing With the Godavari Delta

Konaseema is one of the most beautiful places in our Andhra Pradesh. Green paddy fields, coconut trees, the Godavari branches meeting the sea. When I saw pictures of the damage after Cyclone Arnab, my heart felt heavy. I want to share what we know, and say clearly: Konaseema, we are with you.

What happened

Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast near Yanam between 2 am and 8 am on Wednesday, October 28, as a very severe cyclonic storm, according to the Times of India. Sustained winds were 125 to 135 kmph, with gusts up to 150 kmph. It weakened after landfall.

More than 20,000 people were evacuated before landfall. Sadly, lives were lost. The Times of India reported nine deaths across Andhra Pradesh, including K Venkayamma in Sakhinetipalle mandal of Konaseema, who died when a thatched house collapsed. AP News reported at least three deaths at the time of its report, so the toll may still be updated. My prayers are with every family that lost someone.

Konaseema among the worst hit

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reviewed the damage at the Amalapuram Collectorate on Wednesday night. As reported by The Hans India:

• Around 8,000 electricity poles damaged across affected areas
• Around 1,400 trees uprooted in Amalapuram municipality alone
• Preliminary paddy damage on about 1.18 lakh acres
• Power to be restored in urban areas by Thursday evening and rural areas by Friday morning

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking central assistance. He said about 180 houses were damaged, mostly in Konaseema district.

Our fishermen’s pain

The story that touched me most came from Odalarevu village in Allavaram mandal. The Times of India reported that around 100 fishing boats sank there and more than 100 others were damaged. For a fisherman, a boat is not just property. It is the family’s food, children’s school fees, everything.

Some fishermen said they expected Arnab to be mild, like Cyclone Montha last year. That is a lesson for all of us. Never take a cyclone warning lightly.

How we can help and stay safe

• Follow official advisories only, from the district administration and IMD. Do not forward unverified messages.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and damaged poles until power staff clear them.
• Cooperate with relief teams. NDRF, SDRF, police and fire services are working on clearance in Amalapuram.
• Help through proper channels. If you want to donate, please give through official government relief funds or trusted local organisations, so help reaches the right families.
• Farmers: crop damage assessment was scheduled to begin on Thursday. Please make sure your losses are recorded.

The government has said it will support farmers and fishermen. I truly hope relief reaches every affected family quickly and fairly, especially the fishermen who lost their boats.

Konaseema has faced many storms before and always stood up again. With all of us together, it will rise again.

Do you have family or friends in Konaseema? How are they doing? Please share updates in the comments so we can support each other.