Andhra Pradesh is receiving emergency assistance from three neighbouring states as it continues restoring electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab. Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have deployed skilled electricity workers, specialised machinery and emergency equipment to support restoration operations across cyclone-affected districts.
The assistance follows requests from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who contacted neighbouring state governments after the cyclone caused extensive damage to power infrastructure.
More than 15,000 electricity poles were reportedly uprooted, disrupting electricity supply across several coastal districts. With repairs requiring substantial manpower and equipment, assistance from neighbouring states has become an important part of the restoration effort.
The cooperation comes as Andhra Pradesh also deals with Cyclone Murasu, which made landfall on November 3, creating fresh challenges for disaster response teams.
Telangana Crews and Karnataka Linemen Support Power Restoration
Telangana has extended significant assistance to Andhra Pradesh by sending electricity department personnel and emergency repair equipment to affected areas.
According to reports, Telangana's two electricity distribution companies deployed 2,077 personnel across 192 teams to support power restoration operations.
The teams are helping Andhra Pradesh electricity officials replace damaged poles, reconnect broken power lines and restore electricity in affected communities.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka coordinated the assistance following discussions with the Andhra Pradesh government.
Karnataka has also responded by deploying 500 skilled electricity workers along with specialised machinery to accelerate infrastructure repairs.
The equipment includes 15 Palfinger trucks fitted with heavy-duty cranes and earth augers, along with 25 tractor-mounted drilling machines.
These machines are particularly useful for replacing uprooted electricity poles and repairing damaged distribution networks.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar assured Chandrababu Naidu of his government's support. The assistance is being coordinated through Karnataka's Energy Department under Minister K J George.
The additional workers and machinery are expected to help Andhra Pradesh electricity officials carry out repairs across affected areas.
Tamil Nadu Aid and Interstate Relief Highlight Regional Cooperation
Tamil Nadu has joined the restoration effort by dispatching 500 electricity department personnel to Andhra Pradesh.
The special team, comprising workers and officials from 25 districts, was sent following discussions between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar flagged off the restoration team from Chennai on November 2.
The personnel have been assigned to assist with repairing damaged electricity poles, transformers and power distribution networks affected by Cyclones Arnab and Murasu.
The combined assistance from Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu highlights the importance of cooperation between state governments during natural disasters.
While the states have different political administrations, their response has focused on providing practical support to communities affected by the cyclones.
Electricity restoration remains a major priority because prolonged outages can affect households, businesses, agriculture and essential public services.
Andhra Pradesh has previously faced major infrastructure recovery challenges, including the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Hudhud in 2014.
The latest restoration effort demonstrates how coordinated action between state governments can help address widespread damage when local resources are under pressure.
As repair teams continue working across affected districts, the immediate priority remains restoring reliable electricity supply and helping communities return to normal life.
The support provided by neighbouring states is an example of regional cooperation, showing how shared resources and coordinated disaster management can help communities recover from severe weather emergencies.