Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 6 Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar on Friday said the preliminary loss to the state’s power sector from Cyclones Arnab and Murasu had crossed Rs 500 crore.
Over 7,500 electricity poles were damaged in Cyclone Murasu alone, he said in a press release. Electricity lines, conductors and distribution transformers also suffered extensive damage.
Kumar said winds during Cyclone Arnab reached speeds of around 160 kmph, while Cyclone Murasu brought winds exceeding 120 kmph, damaging the electricity network extensively.
The minister toured cyclone-affected areas in Addanki and Santhanuthalapadu constituencies in Prakasam district.
He said restoration work was progressing on a war footing, with the target of restoring power supply in all affected areas by Saturday evening. Supply was fully restored in the Godavari districts by Thursday evening, while restoration in the remaining affected areas stood at about 70 per cent on Friday, he said.
Supply has been restored in major urban centres, including Ongole, Chilakaluripet, Narasaraopet and Addanki, he said.
Kumar directed officials to prioritise domestic power connections, followed by agricultural and aquaculture connections.
More than 3,000 electricity personnel from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have been deployed for restoration work.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu coordinated with the CMs of the three states to mobilise additional manpower and equipment, Kumar said.
The minister interacted with Karnataka electricity personnel from Bellary at Alavalapadu and teams from Tamil Nadu at Nidamanuru, the release said.
(PTI News)
