Seeking an interim relief from Cyclone Titli devastation Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 48 hours after the CM oversaw relief and rescue measures and visited cyclone hit districts in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.
In the letter Naidu sought the attention of the Prime Minister to how the Titli has impacted normal life and the height of devastation in the areas affected by the cyclone. He said in his message to the PM, "the cyclone Titli has devastated these districts (Srikakulam and Vizianagaram) and has left huge damage to properties, agriculture and horticulture crops, houses and infrastructure resulting in deep distress and misery to the people of these districts."
The state government has made a tentative estimation of the damage in all sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, electricity and irrigation. It has stated roughly 2800 crore rupees to be the estimated worth of the damages incurred.
Naidu informed PM Modi that he himself camped in the cyclone hit districts and oversaw relief measures and restoration operations.
An instant estimation report by by the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) stated that a total population of over 9 lakh people were affected by cyclone Titli in both Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.
The APSDMA report claimed that 18 mandals in Srikakulam were affected. Mandasa, Polaki and Jalamuru mandals are still flooded.
The CM urging relief measures from the central government has sought Rs 1200 crores as interim relief in order to minimize the misery of the people .
Cyclone Titli has claimed around 8 lives in Srikakulam due to the destruction, and thousands of animal husbandry too were lost in the devastation. It has further been reported that two fishermen are still missing. The neighboring state of Odisha too has witnessed the wrath of Titli havoc.
AP government has announced Rs 5 lakhs compensation to each family which lost members in the cyclone.
CM Naidu’s approaching the PM in times of the calamity is raising the eyebrows as there is friction between the BJP and TDP following the latter’s pulling out from NDA.