India, Nov. 7 -- Reliance Foundation is supporting a coordinated operation to pull free 186 fishing boats left stranded by Cyclone Arnab at two landing centres in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh, an effort it says is aimed at restoring the livelihoods of fishing communities.

A preliminary assessment at the Odalarevu and Sakhinetipalli landing centres in Allavaram mandal put the number of affected vessels at 186, described in the announcement as more than 180. Severe weather tore the boats from their moorings and left them trapped in canals, mudflats and adjoining landing areas.

Several vessels were lodged in accumulated mud or lay partially and fully submerged, and some were heaped on top of one another. Boats weigh...