Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Montha slammed into India’s east coast late Monday night, unleashing heavy rains and powerful winds across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, leaving behind a trail of destruction, one fatality, and widespread disruption.
The cyclone made landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in coastal Andhra, with wind speeds touching 100 km/h and gusts up to 110 km/h, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm triggered torrential downpours, coastal flooding, and power outages in several districts.
Widespread Damage in Coastal Andhra
In Andhra Pradesh, Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, and Vizianagaram districts bore the brunt of the storm. Strong winds uprooted hundreds of trees, snapped electric lines, and damaged houses and crop fields. A woman in Makanapalem village lost her life when a tree collapsed on her home during the storm.
Electricity supply was severely hit in several mandals, while transportation came to a halt as roads were blocked by debris. More than 38,000 hectares of standing crops, including paddy and horticulture produce, were reported damaged.
The South Central Railway cancelled or rescheduled over 120 train services as a precaution, while fishing activities remained suspended along the Andhra coast.
Odisha Faces Heavy Rains, Landslides
In neighbouring Odisha, the cyclone weakened slightly but brought intense rainfall to the southern and interior districts. Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput reported minor landslides and flooding in low-lying areas. Power and telecom services were temporarily disrupted in several villages.
The Odisha government had evacuated over 12,000 people to safer locations before the landfall, averting major casualties.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
More than 40 NDRF and SDRF teams were deployed across the two states for rescue and restoration work. Emergency shelters were activated, and relief camps were opened for evacuees. The IMD has since downgraded Montha to a deep depression, as it continues to move north-eastward, bringing moderate rainfall to parts of West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Ministry reviewed the situation, assuring full central assistance for restoration efforts.
Aftermath and Recovery
Authorities in both states are now focused on restoring electricity, clearing roads, and assessing agricultural losses. Farmers have appealed for compensation, citing significant crop damage due to saline water intrusion and flooding.
Officials have urged citizens to remain alert, as residual rainfall may continue for the next 24 hours in several coastal regions.
-OdishaAge
