Relief operations intensified in Konaseema after cyclone Montha

Even though Cyclone Montha weakened earlier than expected, disruptions to power supply, transport, and agriculture continued across Konaseema district on Wednesday . Large-scale restoration and relief operations were undertaken under the supervision of Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, following the instructions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

According to official information, around 300 electricity poles were damaged during the cyclone, out of which 80 per cent restoration had been completed by Wednesday afternoon. The remaining works were expected to be completed within the next two hours to ensure electricity supply to every household. As many as 54 substations were affected by the cyclone, and repair works were being carried out in coordination with power department teams from Ramachandrapuram, Rajamahendravaram, and Mummidivaram.

District officials informed that 134 kilometres of roads had been cleared of fallen trees and other debris, restoring vehicular movement across the affected mandals. Normal transport operations resumed, and the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) announced that all bus services were being operated at full capacity from Wednesday.

Relief efforts were simultaneously intensified. A total of 400 rehabilitation camps were established across the district, providing shelter to 10,150 persons displaced by the cyclone. Each affected family was sanctioned ₹3,000, while individuals living alone were extended ₹1,000 as immediate financial relief. In addition, 50 kilograms of free rice were distributed to fishermen and handloom workers through ration dealers under the State’s relief plan.

Preliminary estimates indicated that nearly 20,000 acres of paddy and horticultural crops were damaged due to the cyclone. Special assessment teams, including agricultural scientists from local universities, were deployed to evaluate the losses and recommend measures to minimise long-term impact. The State government also sanctioned ₹5 lakh ex gratia to the family of a woman who lost her life in Mamidikuduru mandal during the cyclone.

All restoration and relief operations were closely monitored by senior officials, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Members of Parliament, and MLAs, who participated in field inspections. The Minister stated that the government’s priority remained the full restoration of electricity, essential supplies, and rehabilitation of affected families.

Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu reiterated that there would be “no rest until every household receives electricity, food, and financial assistance.” He added that all departments were working in coordination to ensure that normalcy was restored at the earliest across Konaseema district.