Cyclone Arnab: Congress Urges Centre to Lead Coordinated Relief via PMCARES

Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab along the east coast, the Congress party has called upon the Central government on Friday (October 30, 2026) to spearhead coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts alongside State governments. The party urged that timely assistance be ensured to all affected families through the PMCARES fund.

According to reports, the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday (October 28, 2026), resulting in five reported deaths in north Andhra Pradesh and leaving 17 districts in Odisha battered by torrential rain, widespread crop damage, and extensive flooding. Further developments indicate that a low-pressure system has formed in the Andaman Sea, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) states is likely to intensify into a depression by October 31.

Leadership Responses and Appeals

• Mallikarjun Kharge: The Congress president expressed distress over the loss of lives in Andhra Pradesh and the disruption in Odisha, urging party workers to extend all possible help to those in distress.
• Rahul Gandhi: The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha expressed deep concern on Thursday (October 29, 2026) night over the destruction, urging governments to ensure swift relief and rehabilitation.
• Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: The Congress general secretary reiterated calls for party workers to support relief and rescue operations for people facing devastation and flooding.

Ground Situation and Official Estimates

• Andhra Pradesh: The state has placed its estimated losses at ₹4,600 crore. A central team is scheduled to arrive to assess the damage. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh has requested Telangana to deploy 1,000 personnel for power restoration work in the Godavari region.
• Odisha: Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, where two rain gauge stations at Patrapur and Sorada recorded over 50 cm of rainfall in 24 hours. More than 200 villages across 22 blocks have been severely affected, with roads washed away, villages marooned, and three rivers in spate. Preparations are underway to airlift people stranded by floodwater.

Citizens and affected individuals are advised to verify official updates through state disaster management portals and meteorological advisories.