Cyclone Montha has left a trail of destruction across Telangana, with twelve districts bearing the full impact of torrential rains and severe flooding that has caused unprecedented damage to agriculture, roads, and public infrastructure.
Massive Financial and Agricultural Losses
Preliminary estimates indicate the cyclone has caused losses approximating ₹10,000 crore, though state officials emphasize that final assessment figures will be available in the coming days. The Telangana government has urgently directed district collectors to compile comprehensive damage reports for submission to the Central government, seeking substantial financial assistance for the flood-ravaged regions.
Official sources reveal that approximately 4.5 lakh acres of standing crops, predominantly paddy and cotton, have been completely destroyed over the past two days. The agriculture department provided a detailed breakdown, indicating that 2.82 lakh acres of paddy and 1.51 lakh acres of cotton have been ravaged, affecting approximately 2.53 lakh farmers across the state.
Human Toll and Worst-Affected Regions
The cyclone has resulted in confirmed casualties, with one rain-related death reported in Suryapet district. Additionally, three to four people remain missing after being swept away by swollen streams in Siddipet and Khammam districts.
The twelve districts most severely impacted include: Warangal, Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Khammam, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Siddipet, Karimnagar, Nalgonda, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nagarkurnool, and Mahabubnagar.
A senior official explained the unusual pattern of destruction: "The cyclone, which was initially moving northward, unexpectedly changed direction and struck the south-west and western parts of Telangana. This unexpected shift is why erstwhile Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam districts suffered such severe damage."
Government Response and Relief Measures
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy conducted an urgent videoconference with district collectors on Thursday to assess the rain situation and damage extent. The CM is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit Warangal and Husnabad on Friday to personally evaluate the devastation.
Revanth Reddy has directed officials to launch relief operations on a war-footing, prioritizing the prevention of further loss of human life and livestock. He has mandated the immediate evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas and ensured the provision of rehabilitation centers with essential supplies.
To support rescue operations, the government has deployed eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams across the twelve affected districts.
Urgent Focus on Paddy Protection
Expressing deep concern for farmers during the critical harvesting season, the Chief Minister announced the government's target to procure 80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy this kharif season. He has instructed the civil supplies department to take all necessary measures to achieve this target and protect farmers' produce.
Following reports of soaked or washed-away paddy stocks from Indira Kranti Patham centers, the CM ordered officials to immediately transfer paddy to nearby godowns or mills. In locations where storage space is unavailable, paddy should be temporarily stored in function halls.
District collectors have been instructed to appoint an in-charge officer for every procurement center and submit daily evening reports. The CM has warned of strict action against negligent officers and cancelled all leaves for officials until the crisis subsides.
Comprehensive Relief Strategy
The Chief Minister has mandated that district in-charge ministers must continuously monitor relief operations, road restoration, and paddy procurement. All ministers have been directed to remain in their assigned districts and conduct periodic reviews to ensure timely assistance reaches affected communities.
Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief over the death of a DCM van driver who was washed away in a canal in Khammam district, describing the incident as 'unfortunate'. He has ordered officials to install danger warning boards and barricades at low-lying bridges and enforce traffic restrictions where floodwaters overflow roads.
"Traffic should be diverted on damaged routes, and people must be cautioned against venturing out during heavy rains," the CM stated, while also directing the health department to ensure the availability of emergency medical services across all affected areas.
The revenue and agriculture departments have been instructed to begin detailed damage enumeration once floodwaters recede, ensuring comprehensive assessment and appropriate compensation for all affected citizens.
