Priyanka Gandhi urges Congress support for relief after Cyclone Arnab
Priyanka Gandhi urges Congress support for relief after Cyclone Arnab
M.U.H
30/10/202614
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called on party workers to provide all possible assistance to those affected by Cyclone Arnab, which has caused extensive damage due to heavy rainfall and flooding in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her deep concern over the severe cyclonic storm and urged Congress members to aid relief and rescue operations. She stated: “My thoughts are with the people of Andhra Pradesh facing the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and those in Odisha affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. I pray for everyone’s safety and urge Congress workers to extend every possible help to those affected and support relief and rescue efforts.”
The cyclone has extensively impacted coastal and interior regions. In Chhattisgarh’s Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, heavy rain has destroyed standing paddy fields, leading the district administration to issue a Red Alert and declare a one-day holiday for all schools and Anganwadi centres.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also expressed his condolences in the wake of the cyclone. On X, he said: “Deeply concerned by the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab in Andhra Pradesh and the heavy rainfall and flooding in Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are with everyone affected, those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and a sense of security. I urge the governments to ensure swift relief and rehabilitation for every affected family during this difficult time.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured support to the states impacted by Cyclone Arnab. He stated on X that he had spoken with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh to pledge all possible assistance for rescue and relief operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF). “In the wake of Cyclone Arnab, I spoke with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh and assured them of every assistance to mitigate the hardship of the people in the face of the disaster,” he wrote.
Rail operations between Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar have been temporarily suspended by South Coast Railway (SCoR) due to flooding under a railway bridge caused by the cyclone and persistent rainfall. Approximately nine short-distance trains have been cancelled and around 16 services diverted as a precautionary measure.
The Gajapati district has experienced severe impacts, with continuous rainfall since Wednesday triggering flood-like conditions in the Mahendratanaya River basin. Floodwaters have entered areas including Baghasala, Bhinnala and Bapuji Peinth in Goshani block, disrupting daily life. Rising water levels in rivers and streams have inundated agricultural fields and multiple villages. Waterlogging in parts of Goshani block has raised concerns among residents.
