APSDRF rescues eight, evacuates 341 during Cyclone Arnab relief efforts

DPG Harish Kumar Gupta presenting rewards to the APSDRF personnel at the AP Police Headquarters in Mangalagiri on Monday.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) shifted 341 people to safe places, rescued eight, and retrieved a body during Cyclone Arnab.

Inspector General of Police (IGP-Operations) Ch. Srikanth, along with senior officers of Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) met Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta at the Police Headquarters at Mangalagiri on Monday (November 9, 2026), and explained the operations taken up by APSDRF during the calamity.

The SDRF officials explained that eleven special teams comprising 328 officers and personnel rendered services in the State from October 27 to November 1.

Rescue and relief operations were carried out in Bapatla, Konaseema, Kakinada, Srikakulam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, West Godavari, East Godavari, Polavaram, and Anakapalli districts.

A total of 728 fallen trees were cleared, road clearance operations were taken up at 58 locations, and 31 electricity poles that fell on roads were removed, facilitating the movement of emergency vehicles, Mr. Srikanth said.

The ‘Dial 112’ State Control Room played a crucial role in providing assistance to the people trapped in cyclone.

In three days, the control room staff received 369 cyclone-related emergency calls from 17 districts. The SDRF, with the coordination of Dial-112 rescued 40 passengers travelling in a bus stranded in floodwaters in Srikakulam. In another incident, the personnel assisted in rescuing eight fishermen caught in danger due to the cyclone, the officers said.

The DGP appreciated the courage, dedication, and commitment of the APSDRF in saving the lives of people during disasters, stating that their services are a matter of pride for the Police Department.

He presented rewards to officers and personnel who exhibited outstanding bravery in rescue and relief operations during the cyclone.