Karnataka has mobilised 500 skilled power personnel and specialised equipment to Andhra Pradesh to help restore electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, extending emergency support to its neighbouring state amid the severe cyclonic storm’s extensive destruction.
The assistance follows a request from the Andhra Pradesh government for manpower and equipment to undertake urgent restoration work in cyclone-affected regions.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar spoke with his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N Chandrababu Naidu, over the phone and assured him of the state’s full support during the crisis.
“Electricity is an essential service, and restoring it immediately is an urgent requirement for the well-being of the affected people. Karnataka
stands firmly with the people of Andhra Pradesh during this tough time,” Shivakumar said.
The Karnataka government, under the supervision of Energy Minister KJ George, is deploying 500 skilled linemen, 15 Palfinger trucks equipped with cranes and earth augers, and 25 tractor-based drilling machines to speed up the restoration of damaged power distribution infrastructure.
The teams were mobilised on an emergency basis and departed for Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon, with their arrival expected by midnight.
Teams Divided Into Groups For Restoration Work
To ensure effective coordination, each electricity supply company (ESCOM) in Karnataka has appointed a single point of contact to liaise with the concerned Andhra Pradesh officials.
The 500 personnel have been divided into teams of 10, with each group led by a Junior Engineer or Assistant Engineer. An Executive Engineer from every Operations and Maintenance circle has also been assigned to supervise and coordinate the restoration work.
Drivers and operators are accompanying the specialised vehicles and drilling equipment to ensure their effective deployment at work sites.
The Karnataka government is also providing contingency funds to cover travel, accommodation and other emergency expenses of the deployed personnel.
George said Karnataka would work closely with Andhra Pradesh officials through effective field-level coordination and the deployment of advanced equipment to ensure the speedy restoration of electricity supply.
Cyclone Arnab Causes Rs 4,764-Crore Damage In Andhra Pradesh
The assistance comes as Andhra Pradesh assesses the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, which affected 12 districts in the state.
According to news agency PTI, the Andhra Pradesh government informed a visiting seven-member Central team that the cyclone had caused estimated losses of at least Rs 4,764 crore.
The preliminary assessment found that crops belonging to 4.63 lakh farmers were damaged across 3.52 lakh hectares. Horticulture crops were affected across another 23,383 hectares, while nearly 2,500 km of roads and more than 7,000 houses also suffered damage.
The power sector was among those that sustained extensive damage, the state government told the Central team.
Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema and West Godavari districts bore the brunt of the cyclone, according to PTI.
Central Team Visits Cyclone-Affected Areas
A seven-member Central team led by Chittaranjan Das of the Union Home Ministry arrived in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.
The team was scheduled to tour the affected areas on Saturday and Sunday.
Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Secretary K Bhaskar and Chief Executive Prakhar Jain also gave a PowerPoint presentation to the visiting officials on the destruction caused by the cyclone.
Karnataka’s emergency deployment is aimed at supporting Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to restore essential electricity services as the state deals with extensive damage to its infrastructure and other sectors.
The assistance also reflects Karnataka’s commitment to helping neighbouring states during natural disasters under the ‘Neighbour First’ principle.
