Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said protecting lives remains the government’s top priority as the state prepares for Cyclone Arnab. He said he had reviewed the situation four times since morning and was in constant contact with district collectors and senior officials to monitor preparedness.
The government has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters and prepared evacuation plans for vulnerable communities. According to Naidu, 2,360 pregnant women have already been shifted to medical facilities. The evacuation plans prioritise elderly people, children, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.
Twelve National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and ten State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been assigned to districts, with deployment underway. Police, Fire Services and medical teams have also been mobilised, while the Navy and Coast Guard are ready to assist if required.
The government is arranging essential supplies, including food, drinking water, medicines and generators. More than 8,400 personnel have been mobilised for power restoration work. Control rooms are operating round the clock to coordinate emergency responses and provide assistance.
Naidu appealed to residents to remain calm, follow official instructions and move to designated shelters when advised. He also urged fishermen not to venture into the sea until authorities issue clearance.
Residents have been advised to keep essential supplies and charged mobile phones ready, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from beaches, riverbanks, floodwaters and fallen power lines. People have also been asked to avoid spreading rumours, follow official updates and inform local authorities if anyone needs assistance.
The Chief Minister said government departments were working continuously to protect lives and urged people to cooperate with emergency personnel as the state prepares for the cyclone.
