New Delhi: The top leadership of the Congress party has expressed deep concern over the situation arising from severe weather conditions and natural calamities in several parts of the country. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi have expressed grief over the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab in Andhra Pradesh and the serious situation resulting from heavy rains and flooding in Odisha.
Both leaders extended their condolences to the families affected by the natural disaster and urged local Congress workers to intensify relief and rescue operations and provide all possible assistance to those in need.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi expressed solidarity with the affected residents of both states through a post on the social media platform X. Wishing everyone safety and well-being, she urged party workers to actively participate in relief efforts during this time of crisis.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow over the extensive loss of life and property in Andhra Pradesh and the disruption of normal life in Odisha.
Kharge urged the central government to coordinate with the respective state governments to carry out relief and rehabilitation operations on a war footing. He also called for timely assistance to affected families and financial support through the PM CARES Fund.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, while reviewing the situation, stated that seven people had lost their lives in the state due to Cyclone Arnab.
According to preliminary estimates, the natural disaster has caused damage to property and infrastructure amounting to approximately ₹4,600 crore.
Following an aerial survey of the affected areas, the Chief Minister indicated that the estimated losses could increase once a comprehensive damage assessment report is received.
Chief Minister Naidu also held a detailed telephone conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, briefing him on the prevailing situation in the state and the measures being taken by the administration to address the crisis. A preliminary report on the damage has also been submitted to the central government.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Odisha, exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered by the indirect impact of the cyclone has led to flood-like conditions in several areas.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the state administration has significantly intensified relief and rescue operations in the worst-affected districts of Ganjam and Gajapati.
The government’s immediate priority is to safely evacuate stranded residents, ensure the timely delivery of essential supplies to affected communities, and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
