More than 180 fishing boats displaced by Cyclone Arnab are set to be retrieved through a coordinated recovery effort in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district. Reliance Foundation is working with the Department of Fisheries and local government authorities to help fishing communities recover their boats and resume livelihood activities.
The intervention focuses on two affected fishing landing centres, Odalarevu and Sakhinetipalli, where preliminary assessments identified 186 damaged or displaced boats following the cyclone.
186 Boats Affected at Two Fishing Centres
Cyclone Arnab severely disrupted fishing activities in parts of Konaseema, leaving several boats stranded away from their usual mooring locations.
At Odalarevu and Sakhinetipalli landing centres in Allavaram mandal, boats were found trapped in canals, mudflats and adjoining areas. Some had become stuck in accumulated mud, while others were submerged or pushed together by the severe weather.
These conditions have made it difficult for fishing communities to access their vessels and return to regular fishing operations.
Mechanical Equipment to Support Boat Retrieval
Following an assessment of the damage, Reliance Foundation decided to support the recovery through a mechanical retrieval operation.
The foundation is coordinating with the Department of Fisheries and government authorities in Allavaram mandal to arrange suitable mechanical lifting equipment for retrieving and safely repositioning the affected boats.
The operation will involve identifying individual boats, confirming their locations and planning the retrieval sequence in coordination with local fishing community members.
Crane operators will carry out the lifting work within controlled operating areas to support the safe movement and repositioning of the vessels.
Livelihoods of 10,000 People Expected to Benefit
The recovery effort is expected to benefit around 10,000 people from fishing communities in the region.
For fishing families, boats are essential livelihood assets. When vessels are trapped, submerged or displaced, fishing operations can come to a standstill, affecting the income of boat owners, crew members and others who depend on fishing-related activities.
By helping retrieve and reposition the affected boats, the intervention aims to support the restoration of fishing activities in the cyclone-hit areas.
Coordination Between Authorities and Fishing Communities
Reliance Foundation’s response involves coordination with fisheries officials, local government authorities and fishing community members.
Local participation will be important in locating vessels, confirming ownership and ensuring that retrieval activities are carried out in an organised manner.
The initiative is part of the foundation’s response to the impact of Cyclone Arnab and its stated commitment to supporting communities affected by disasters.
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