Cyclone Montha Batters Andhra Pradesh: One Dead, Widespread Damage to Crops and Infrastructure

Cyclone Montha Batters Andhra Pradesh and Odisha; One Dead, Crops and Infrastructure Devastated

Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam late Tuesday evening, unleashing torrential rain, gale-force winds, and widespread destruction across coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone, which initially packed winds of 90–100 kmph gusting up to 110 kmph, weakened into a cyclonic storm after crossing the coast south of Kakinada. The system is now expected to move northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and gradually weaken into a deep depression within the next 12 hours.

Heavy Rains Lash Coastal States

The cyclone triggered extremely heavy rainfall across large parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana, while its outer bands caused showers in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

In Andhra Pradesh, powerful winds uprooted trees and snapped power lines in Guntur, Konaseema, East Godavari, and Krishna districts. One woman was killed in Makanapalem village of Mamidikuduru mandal after a tree collapsed on her house. Banana plantations in Konaseema suffered extensive losses, and standing crops spread over 1.76 lakh hectares — including paddy and horticultural fields — were severely damaged.

In Odisha, heavy rains triggered landslides and power outages in southern districts such as Koraput and Gajapati. Several roads in Narayanpatna block were blocked by debris, prompting authorities to shut schools and colleges in Gajapati district until October 30 as a precautionary measure.

Relief and Rescue Efforts Intensified

The Andhra Pradesh government has evacuated nearly 76,000 people from vulnerable coastal areas to safer locations. More than 219 medical camps have been set up, and over 865 tonnes of animal fodder distributed for livestock support. To accelerate restoration, authorities have deployed 1,447 earthmovers, 321 drones, and 1,040 chainsaws to clear debris and restore power and road connectivity.

In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said more than 11,300 residents were shifted to safety across eight southern districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput. He assured that the state machinery is “fully prepared to handle any situation,” with special care being provided to senior citizens, pregnant women, and the ailing.

Transport and Communication Hit

Cyclone Montha caused severe disruption to air and rail services. At Visakhapatnam Airport, all 32 scheduled flights were cancelled on Tuesday, while 16 flights were cancelled at Vijayawada Airport. The South Central Railway Zone called off 120 train services, and several others were diverted or rescheduled across the East Coast Railway’s Waltair Division.

Strong winds in Visakhapatnam and Vetapalem uprooted trees and blocked major roads, but swift action by police and municipal teams helped restore traffic movement.

Wider Impact Across Coastal Regions

High waves lashed the Mangaluru coast, bringing ashore large quantities of debris and plastic waste. The IMD has also issued warnings of thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls for parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa due to the remnants of the weakening storm.

Schools and colleges across several districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha — including Guntur, NTR, Bapatla, and Gajapati — remain closed. Red alerts have been issued for Mulugu, Khammam, and Bhadrachalam districts in Telangana.

Scientists Warn of Climate Link

Meteorologists have attributed the intensification of Cyclone Montha to unusually warm ocean temperatures. “Warmer seas provide more energy to tropical storms, making them stronger and more frequent near coastal regions,” experts told the Associated Press.

One Fatality Confirmed; Loss Assessment Underway

As of Wednesday morning, one death has been confirmed in Andhra Pradesh, though a full assessment of property and agricultural losses is still in progress. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid venturing near coastal areas until weather conditions stabilize.

The IMD has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha, and Telangana through Wednesday, with isolated areas likely to receive rainfall exceeding 20 cm.