‘Extend Every Possible Help’: Priyanka Gandhi Urges Congress Workers to Support Cyclone Arnab Relief Operations

Priyanka Gandhi Appeals for Cyclone Relief

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday, October 30, 2026, appealed to party workers to extend every possible assistance to people affected by Cyclone Arnab and the associated flooding.

In a post on social media platform X, Priyanka expressed concern for people in Andhra Pradesh facing the cyclone's impact and those in Odisha affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.

She urged Congress workers to support relief and rescue operations and help affected families during the crisis. Her appeal is part of the Congress leadership's response to the severe weather conditions affecting several regions.

Priyanka Gandhi Expresses Concern for Affected Families

Priyanka said her thoughts were with people whose lives had been disrupted by the cyclone and the resulting floods.

She called on party workers to help affected residents and support efforts to provide assistance to those facing difficult circumstances.

Her appeal focused on grassroots assistance, encouraging Congress workers to contribute to relief efforts wherever possible while emergency teams continue their operations.

Cyclone Arnab Causes Damage in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has been among the states severely affected by Cyclone Arnab.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu estimated the damage caused by the cyclone at more than ₹4,600 crore. Seven deaths were reported in the state, despite precautionary measures taken ahead of the storm, according to published reports.

The districts of Konaseema and West Godavari were among the areas that bore the brunt of the cyclone. The damage assessment highlights the scale of the challenges facing the state as it works to assist affected residents and restore normal life.

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Affect Odisha

Odisha has also experienced widespread disruption due to heavy rainfall and flooding associated with Cyclone Arnab.

The districts of Ganjam and Gajapati have been among the worst-affected areas. Floodwater has inundated agricultural fields, raised river levels and disrupted daily life in several localities.

Authorities have moved residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations and arranged essential supplies, including drinking water, food and medical assistance, at relief shelters.

The Odisha government has deployed more than 300 teams from disaster-response agencies for rescue and relief operations across flood-affected districts.

Amit Shah Assures States of Central Assistance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the affected states of all possible assistance from the Centre.

On October 29, Shah said he had spoken with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry and Chhattisgarh to discuss the situation and offer support.

He also said teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) were conducting rescue and relief operations. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams were expected to assess the impact of the disaster and determine what additional assistance might be required.

Rahul Gandhi Also Calls for Swift Relief

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has also expressed concern over the destruction caused by Cyclone Arnab.

He conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressed solidarity with people who had lost their homes and livelihoods.

Rahul urged the governments concerned to ensure that relief and rehabilitation reached every affected family without delay. His appeal, like Priyanka's, emphasised the need for timely assistance to people facing the consequences of the disaster.

Train Services Disrupted by Flooding

The cyclone and continuing rainfall have also affected railway operations.

South Coast Railway temporarily suspended train services along the Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar mainline after water levels rose beneath a railway bridge between Ichchapuram and Jhadupudi stations.

Reports said around nine short-distance trains were cancelled and approximately 16 services were diverted as a precaution. Railway authorities continued monitoring water levels and coordinating passenger movement while the situation was assessed.

Why Relief and Rehabilitation Are Critical

Cyclones and associated flooding can disrupt housing, agriculture, transport, electricity and access to essential services. Families who lose their homes or livelihoods may require assistance well beyond the initial rescue phase.

Immediate priorities include evacuating people from vulnerable areas, providing food and clean drinking water, ensuring access to medical care and restoring essential transport links.

Longer-term rehabilitation may require repairing damaged homes, supporting farmers and helping affected communities recover their livelihoods.

Priyanka Gandhi's appeal asks Congress workers to contribute to these relief efforts, while government agencies continue their emergency response.

Key Takeaways

• Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Congress workers to provide every possible assistance to people affected by Cyclone Arnab.

• Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have faced severe weather-related disruption.

• Andhra Pradesh reported seven deaths, with estimated cyclone damage exceeding ₹4,600 crore.

• Flooding in Odisha has affected several districts, including Ganjam and Gajapati.

• Odisha has deployed more than 300 disaster-response teams for rescue operations.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry and Chhattisgarh of central assistance.

• Rahul Gandhi has also called for swift relief and rehabilitation.

• Railway services on the Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar route were disrupted because of rising floodwater.

Bottom Line

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called on Congress workers to support relief and rescue operations as Cyclone Arnab's impact continues to be felt in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. With homes, agricultural land and transport services affected, the immediate priority remains protecting residents, delivering essential supplies and ensuring that relief and rehabilitation reach families in need.