Karnataka has extended help to its neighbour Andhra Pradesh as it struggles to recover from the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said Karnataka will send 500 electricity workers (Powermen) and equipment for restoring power infrastructure damaged in cyclone-hit areas after talking to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He said he assured him that Karnataka would extend full cooperation in restoration work.
The help is being provided so that electricity repairs can be expedited and affected communities get normal power supply as soon as possible.
Cyclone Arnab has damaged Andhra Pradesh’s electricity infrastructure with more than 15,000 electricity poles reportedly uprooted by the storm.
This damage made restoration of power supply a top priority for the state administration as electricity is not only for households but hospitals too, drinking water facilities communication networks businesses and other services.
More technical personnel will help strengthen ongoing repair works and shorten time taken to reconnect affected areas to power grid.
Shivakumar said Karnataka’s Energy Department is coordinating the assistance being extended to Andhra Pradesh. Energy Minister K.J. George is keeping a close watch on arrangements so that manpower and equipment are mobilised.
Spoke to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu avaru, and assured him of Karnataka’s full support as Andhra Pradesh grapples with the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab. With over 15,000 electricity poles uprooted by Arnab, the restoration of power infrastructure is critical, and Andhra Pradesh has sought Karnataka’s assistance in this effort. Our Energy Department is coordinating the assistance, with Energy Minister Shri K.J. George closely monitoring the situation. As part of this support, Karnataka is deploying 500 skilled Powermen, along with the necessary equipments, to expedite restoration works and facilitate the early restoration of electricity supply in the cyclone-affected areas. Our teams will work in close coordination with the Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure effective deployment of manpower and equipment at the restoration sites. The approaching Cyclone Murasu presents a fresh challenge, and we will continue to assess the situation and its impact over the next two days while extending all possible assistance. In times of adversity, solidarity must translate into action. Karnataka stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Andhra Pradesh, and we will extend all possible support. @ncbn @AndhraPradeshCM
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 2, 2026
The 500 skilled workers will be sent with tools and machinery needed for electricity restoration work at different locations. Karnataka teams should coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials so that personnel and equipment can be deployed as per requirements of local people and extent of damage, he added.
It is a reminder of the need for cooperation between neighbouring states in natural disasters.
Power restoration after cyclone is a difficult job because electricity poles, transmission lines and distribution networks are damaged over large areas; repair teams have to inspect affected places, remove damaged infrastructure, replace poles, reconnect wires and safety checks before electricity can be restored.
Having more trained staff helps authorities manage several repair operations at once. Karnataka’s help will therefore add further support to Andhra Pradesh’s recovery efforts.
Cyclone Murasu is also a fresh worry for Andhra Pradesh as Arnab is yet to hit the state. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority’s cyclone information system shows Murasu as an active cyclonic system and weather updates have warned of impact along the coast.
According to New Indian Express news that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his Delhi visit and told officials to be prepared for the approaching storm and authorities were making arrangements to protect electricity infrastructure and position restoration teams in vulnerable areas.
Shivakumar said Karnataka would assess the situation and the possible impact of Cyclone Murasu over next two days. He assured Andhra Pradesh that the state will extend all help as required.
This announcement means that Karnataka’s support may not be restricted to immediate restoration work following Arnab depending on what is needed from them in case of next cyclone.
For Andhra Pradesh, the arrival of additional technical teams is timely. Electricity restoration is a part of disaster recovery (communities have damaged homes, disrupted transport, communication problems and interruption to essential services).
Coordination between the two state governments should help build up the response and ensure that repair work proceeds effectively.
With the announcement of 500 skilled Powermen, Karnataka has provided practical help to a neighbouring state that is going through a difficult recovery period. Shivakumar said solidarity during crisis should be translated into action and Karnataka stands shoulder to shoulder with people of Andhra Pradesh.
“Restoration work is still on and preparations for Cyclone Murasu are on. Government departments will have to work together with neighbouring states so infrastructure is protected and affected residents are helped,” he said.
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