The fury of Severe Cyclone Montha has left Andhra Pradesh counting massive losses, with preliminary assessments pegging the total damage at a staggering ₹5,244 crore. The cyclonic storm, which made landfall with intense force, has devastated infrastructure, agriculture, and residential areas across multiple districts.
Infrastructure in Shambles
Road networks across the affected regions have suffered extensive damage, with numerous highways and rural roads becoming impassable. The Public Works Department reports that restoration work is underway, but the scale of destruction is slowing down recovery efforts. Essential services including electricity and water supply remain disrupted in many areas.
Housing and Residential Damage
Thousands of homes have been either completely destroyed or severely damaged, leaving numerous families homeless. Temporary shelters have been set up in safer locations, but the displacement has created a humanitarian challenge for local authorities. The state government has announced compensation packages for affected families.
Agricultural Catastrophe
The farming community has borne the brunt of Cyclone Montha's wrath, with standing crops across vast agricultural lands completely destroyed. Paddy fields, horticulture crops, and orchards have been flattened by the cyclonic winds and heavy rainfall. Farmers who were anticipating harvest season are now facing complete crop loss.
Government Response and Relief Measures
State authorities have initiated relief operations on a war footing, with disaster response teams deployed across the worst-hit regions. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has conducted aerial surveys of the affected areas and announced immediate financial assistance for rehabilitation work.
The state government has submitted a detailed report to the Central Government seeking special assistance packages. The focus is currently on restoring basic amenities and providing immediate relief to the affected populations while assessing the long-term rehabilitation requirements.
