World · South & Central Asia · 12 hrs ago
Two cyclones bring heavy losses to Andhra Pradesh after drought
Andhra Pradesh faced drought followed by extreme rain during this year’s monsoon.
In June and July, the State declared drought in 388 of its 688 mandals across 28 districts.
From October 28 to November 3, two cyclones battered the coast, with winds reaching 140 kmph during Arnab and 110 kmph during Murasu.
The storms caused an estimated ₹6,500 crore in damage and left at least 17 people dead.
They uprooted electricity poles, damaged roads and flattened paddy, cotton, chilli and coconut crops across several districts.
Coconut growers in the Godavari region say recovery may take at least two years, while experts debate whether climate change played a role.
Electricity workers are repairing power lines, and more than 10,000 new poles are being installed in Konaseema district.
Andhra Pradesh suffered damage estimated at about ₹6,500 crore after two cyclones struck between October 28 and November 3.
The storms killed at least 17 people, uprooted electricity poles and damaged roads across the State.
The cyclones followed drought declarations in 388 of the State’s 688 mandals during June and July.
Crops including paddy, cotton and chilli were flattened in several districts, while thousands of coconut trees were uprooted.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts and their residents, including farmers and fishermen, were affected.
- What
- Cyclones Arnab and Murasu caused an estimated ₹6,500 crore in damage and killed at least 17 people.
- When
- Between October 28 and November 3.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, including the Godavari districts and the north coastal region.
- Why
- The cyclones brought strong winds and extremely heavy rainfall. Whether climate change played a role is being debated by experts.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Andhra Pradesh declared drought in 388 of its 688 mandals across 28 districts.
Cyclone Arnab brought heavy rain and made landfall near Bendamurlanka, according to a photo caption.
The State was hit by back-to-back cyclones Arnab and Murasu.
Fishermen moved boats and equipment to safer places as Murasu neared the coast.
Electricity workers repaired damaged power lines in Ongole following Murasu.
- Drought declarations
- 388 of 688 mandals across 28 districts
- Cyclones
- Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab; Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu
- Estimated damage
- Approximately ₹6,500 crore
- Deaths
- At least 17
- Maximum reported wind speeds
- 140 kmph during Arnab; 110 kmph during Murasu