Cyclone Murasu damage in Andhra Pradesh has reached an estimated ₹2,484.43 crore, according to a report submitted by the state government. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu requested immediate financial assistance from the Centre for relief and recovery work. He made the appeal during a virtual meeting with a seven-member Central team that inspected cyclone-affected districts.
The Central team, led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Chittaranjan Das, visited Bapatla, Palnadu, Eluru and East Godavari districts. The members divided into two groups and inspected nearly 60 locations. They examined damaged roads, agricultural fields, canals, houses and fishing boats. The team also spoke directly with farmers to understand their losses.
During the meeting, Chandrababu Naidu said two cyclones had affected Andhra Pradesh within a short period. He also pointed to the impact of El Niño. The Chief Minister said the government had taken early safety measures before the cyclone arrived. According to him, road connectivity, electricity and mobile networks were restored within 24 hours.
The state government estimated agricultural losses at ₹874.97 crore. Crops across 1,43,617 hectares suffered damage, affecting nearly 1.86 lakh farmers. Horticultural losses reached ₹337.10 crore across 6,756 hectares. Around 12,605 farmers growing horticultural crops were affected. Mango and papaya plantations were among the worst-hit crops.
Road infrastructure also suffered major damage. The government reported losses of ₹888.84 crore after 1,385 kilometres of roads were affected. Damage included breaches at 36 locations and 65 culverts. In rural areas, 114 roads covering 220 kilometres were damaged. The Central team observed that flash floods had caused serious damage to village roads.
The cyclone also damaged 369 irrigation sources, with breaches reported at 509 locations. Electricity infrastructure suffered heavy losses, including 10,192 high-voltage poles, 6,442 low-voltage poles and 1,448 distribution transformers. Additionally, 3,859 houses, including 645 huts, were damaged across the affected districts.
Crop losses were particularly severe in Eluru and East Godavari districts. The Central team reported that paddy crop damage reached up to 90 percent in Eluru and 80 percent in East Godavari. Farmers growing cotton and other commercial crops also faced difficulties. Some farmers had not purchased crop insurance because of high premium costs.
The Central team noted that early cleaning of canals and streams helped reduce flood damage. However, it highlighted the need for stronger rural roads and better protection for vulnerable communities. The team also recommended additional support for tribal groups, farmers practising natural farming and families living in temporary houses.
Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh needed stronger infrastructure to reduce future cyclone losses. He stressed that coastal districts regularly face severe weather conditions. The Chief Minister requested the Central team to submit its damage assessment report within 10 days. He also urged the Union government to release financial assistance without delay.
The state government has already started relief and restoration work in the affected areas. Additional ration supplies have been distributed, while steps are being taken to help farmers receive crop insurance benefits. The government estimated emergency relief spending at ₹37 crore.
The Chief Minister said long-term infrastructure improvements were necessary to protect farmers, homes and public facilities. He sought Central support to rebuild damaged infrastructure and strengthen Andhra Pradesh against future cyclones.
