Telecom service providers, in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), are making significant progress in restoring connectivity across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha following the devastating impact of Cyclone Arnab. While overall network availability in Andhra Pradesh has recovered to 99.18%, specific districts like West Godavari (98.5%) and Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema (91.96%) still face challenges.
In Odisha, services are gradually improving in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts as rainfall subsides and floodwaters recede. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with operators prioritizing damaged sites to bring them back online.
Key Obstacles to Full Restoration
Despite the concerted efforts, two primary issues continue to impede complete service normalization:
- Commercial Power Supply Disruptions: Widespread power outages prevent base stations from operating consistently.
- Localised Optical Fibre Cable Cuts: Damage to crucial fibre infrastructure disrupts data and call transmission.
To mitigate these challenges and maintain essential communication, Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) has been activated across affected districts. This allows mobile subscribers to connect to any available network, regardless of their own operator. Additionally, 11 Cell on Wheels (CoW) units have been deployed to provide emergency mobile connectivity in critical areas.
Damage Assessment and Relief Efforts Underway
Meanwhile, a seven-member Central team, led by Joint Secretary Chittaranjan Das from the Union Home Ministry, has arrived in Andhra Pradesh to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab. Preliminary estimates indicate losses of approximately ₹4,764 crore across 12 districts, with Konaseema and West Godavari being among the hardest hit.
The Central team is scheduled to visit Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, and West Godavari to evaluate the impact on agriculture, housing, and infrastructure, as well as interact with affected residents. The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who perished in cyclone-related incidents. Restoration of electricity, drinking water, and road connectivity remains a top priority as relief and rehabilitation efforts continue.
Importance of Connectivity
Telecom connectivity remains crucial for coordinating emergency responses, enabling access to essential services, and keeping residents connected as recovery efforts progress across the cyclone-affected regions.