Cyclone ‘Montha’ devastates crops across Andhra - one dead, 1.76 lakh hectares damaged

Severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ has caused widespread devastation across Andhra Pradesh, destroying crops spread over 1.76 lakh hectares and claiming one life, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Preliminary estimates revealed that standing crops in 38,000 hectares and horticulture crops in 1.38 lakh hectares were flattened as torrential rains and gale-force winds swept through multiple districts. The cyclone, which is expected to make landfall south of Kakinada late Tuesday night, has already disrupted normal life in coastal and adjoining regions. Named after a fragrant flower in Thai, ‘Montha’ is expected to impact 403 mandals across 22 districts, prompting the state administration to step up disaster-response measures.

The government has established 488 control rooms at the mandal level, while nearly 76,000 people have been shifted to relief camps. Additionally, 219 medical camps have been set up, and 1,447 earthmovers, 321 drones, and 1,040 chainsaws have been deployed to clear uprooted trees and restore connectivity.

To maintain emergency communication, 81 wireless towers and 21 high-mast lamps have been installed. Over 3.6 crore alert messages have been disseminated to residents, and 865 tonnes of animal fodder have been arranged to support livestock in affected regions. Between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Ulavapadu in Nellore district recorded the highest rainfall of 12.6 cm, followed by Kavali (12.2 cm), Dagadarthi (12 cm), and Singarayakonda (10.5 cm). Heavy rains also lashed Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Anakapalli.

During a review meeting, officials informed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that Nellore district recorded the highest precipitation so far. The CMO said the cyclone is expected to cross the coast around 11:30 p.m., bringing intense rainfall through the early hours of Wednesday.

In light of the worsening conditions, the government has suspended vehicular movement from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday in the worst-hit districts Krishna, Eluru, East and West Godavari, Kakinada, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, including Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Only emergency medical services are exempted.

Chief Minister Naidu directed officials to ensure supply of food, drinking water, and electricity backup, with 3,000 generators deployed in village and ward secretariats. Authorities have appealed to residents in cyclone-affected districts to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant until conditions improve.