AP CM Chandrababu conducts aerial survey as cyclone ‘Montha’ weakens

Cyclone Montha, which brought heavy rains and strong winds across coastal Andhra Pradesh earlier this week, has now significantly weakened. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) announced on Wednesday morning that the system had downgraded into a cyclonic storm and is expected to further weaken into a deep depression within the next six hours.

As the system moves inland, the APSDMA forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall across several districts of the state, accompanied by gusty winds in coastal areas. Citizens have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.

Widespread Rainfall across Coastal and Rayalaseema Districts

According to the latest weather bulletin, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the northern coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the central districts of Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu, while Kakinada, Konaseema, East and West Godavari, and Prakasam districts are also likely to experience sustained moderate to heavy showers through Wednesday.

The southern and Rayalaseema districts, including Nellore, Kurnool, Nandyal, and Anantapur, may see scattered moderate rainfall as the weather system continues to weaken further.

The APSDMA has directed all district administrations to stay on alert and keep disaster response teams on standby. Officials have also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea as residual rough conditions may persist for another 24 hours.

Chief Minister conducts aerial and ground-level survey

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu conducted an extensive aerial survey by helicopter on Wednesday morning to assess the situation in cyclone-affected areas. The Chief Minister’s aerial tour covered several severely impacted regions, including Bapatla, Palnadu, Krishna, Konaseema, and Eluru districts, as well as stretches over Chilakaluripet, Parchuru, Chirala, Koduru, Nagayalanka, and Odalarevu.

After the aerial inspection, the Chief Minister landed at Odalarevu in Konaseema district’s Allavaram mandal, where he directly interacted with local residents affected by the cyclone and heavy rains. He enquired about their immediate needs, the extent of crop damage, and relief distribution in their areas.

Later, Mr. Naidu traveled by road from Odalarevu, inspecting several flood-submerged agricultural fields and damaged areas. He instructed local officials to take up immediate restoration works, ensure the supply of essential commodities, and expedite compensation procedures for farmers whose crops had been inundated.

Speaking after the survey, the Chief Minister said that the state government’s priority is to ensure that “no family is left unattended” in the aftermath of Cyclone Montha. He emphasized the need for coordinated action between departments to speed up relief and rehabilitation measures.

Relief and restoration measures in progress

Relief operations are already underway in several affected districts, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed to monitor vulnerable areas. The APSDMA control room continues to operate round the clock, coordinating with local officials to monitor rainfall intensity, water levels in canals, and electricity restoration.

District collectors have been instructed to maintain constant contact with mandal-level officers and ensure food supplies, drinking water, and medical assistance reach all affected communities. Power utilities have also been directed to restore electricity lines disrupted by heavy winds on a priority basis.

Initial field reports indicated partial damage to paddy, banana, and maize crops in low-lying areas of Konaseema, Krishna, and West Godavari districts. However, officials stated that losses appear to be moderate compared to previous major cyclones.

Relief materials distributed to cyclone-affected families

The Andhra Pradesh government has arranged for the distribution of essential commodities to families taking shelter in rehabilitation centers across the cyclone-affected areas. Officials stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted supply of relief materials.

According to government data, 14,415 ration shops in the affected districts have been stocked with 1 lakh metric tons of rice and 3,424 metric tons of sugar, along with other essential goods, for immediate distribution.

Each household will receive 25 kilograms of rice, while fishermen and weavers who lost their livelihoods due to the cyclone will be provided 50 kilograms of rice. Additionally, 1 kilogram each of toor dal, onions, potatoes, and sugar, and 1 liter of palm oil will be distributed per family.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is overseeing the relief operations and issuing directions to district authorities to ensure timely delivery of supplies and prevent any inconvenience to the affected people.

Officials added that transportation and stock movement are being closely monitored to avoid delays and ensure that relief materials reach all designated centers efficiently.

Cyclone expected to weaken further

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards and weaken further into a depression by late Wednesday night. Rainfall intensity is likely to reduce gradually from Thursday onwards, providing much-needed relief to farmers and residents across the coastal and Rayalaseema regions.

An APSDMA official said, “The situation is under control, and no major casualties have been reported so far. All agencies are on alert, and precautionary measures are being taken in every vulnerable mandal.”

As the state transitions from emergency response to recovery, the government’s focus remains on restoring normalcy, supporting farmers, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure in the cyclone-hit zones.