Karnataka will send 500 skilled electricity workers and equipment to Andhra Pradesh to help restore power infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Monday. The deployment follows the uprooting of more than 15,000 electricity poles in the cyclone-affected areas, according to the chief minister.
Shivakumar said he had spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and assured him of Karnataka’s support. Karnataka’s Energy Department is coordinating the assistance, while Energy Minister KJ George is monitoring the operation, he said.
The teams will work with Andhra Pradesh authorities at restoration sites, with the stated aim of accelerating repairs and enabling the early return of electricity supply in affected areas. The equipment being sent will support the field teams as they repair damaged power infrastructure and replace or restore network components disrupted by the cyclone.
The scale of the damage to electricity poles highlights the operational challenge facing distribution utilities after severe weather. Power restoration requires field personnel, specialised equipment and coordination between state agencies, particularly when damage is spread across multiple locations and access to affected areas may be difficult.
Shivakumar also referred to Cyclone Murasu, which was approaching, and said Karnataka would continue assessing the situation and its impact over the next two days while extending assistance to Andhra Pradesh. The additional weather system could create further demands on emergency response and electricity restoration teams, depending on its impact.
The Karnataka teams are expected to coordinate their deployment with Andhra Pradesh officials so that personnel and equipment can be assigned to restoration sites. The state government did not provide a district-wise deployment plan or a timeline for completing the repairs in the statement reported by PTI.
The assistance is part of inter-state support for restoring a critical public utility after cyclone damage. Further action will depend on the assessment of Cyclone Murasu and the requirements communicated by Andhra Pradesh authorities.
