Puducherry seeks 50 crore in immediate central assistance for cyclone hit Yanam

29 October 2026

The Puducherry government has sought immediate assistance of 50 crore from the Centre for relief work in the cyclone affected Yanam region of the Union Territory. In a letter to the Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said Cyclone Arnab caused severe damage to agriculture, housing, electricity and public infrastructure. Preliminary assessments point to complete loss of paddy crop on around 101 hectares, besides damage to coconut and banana cultivation, and damage to 30 houses and to fishing equipment including boats. Electric poles, roads, drinking water installations and government buildings, including the Government General Hospital, were damaged, and the livelihood of fishermen was hit. The letter said Yanam is a small, geographically separated enclave with limited resources, so the scale of damage has placed a heavy financial burden on the Union Territory and central support is essential for timely restoration. The Chief Minister Office said the Home Minister had spoken to him earlier in the day and promised assistance.