VIJAYAWADA: Cyclone Montha unleashed its fury on Krishna district, leaving behind a path of unprecedented destruction that has crippled agriculture, devastated fisheries, and severely damaged critical infrastructure across the region.
Agricultural Heartland Decimated
The cyclonic storm has dealt a crushing blow to the agricultural sector, with preliminary estimates indicating catastrophic damage to standing crops. Farmers across the district are reporting near-total losses of their ready-to-harvest produce, raising concerns about food security and economic stability in the region.
Vast stretches of paddy fields, banana plantations, and horticultural crops have been completely flattened by the cyclonic winds and torrential rains. The timing couldn't be worse, with most crops being at their peak maturity stage just before harvesting season.
Fishing Industry in Ruins
The fisheries sector has suffered equally devastating losses, with fishing communities reporting complete destruction of their livelihoods. Fishing boats, nets, and equipment worth crores of rupees have been either damaged beyond repair or washed away by the powerful storm surges.
Coastal villages and fishing harbors present a grim picture of destruction, leaving thousands of fishing families without their primary source of income. The damage to aquaculture ponds has further compounded the crisis in the marine sector.
Infrastructure Collapse
Critical infrastructure across Krishna district has borne the brunt of Cyclone Montha's intensity. The storm has:
- Uprooted thousands of electricity poles, causing widespread power outages
- Damaged roads and bridges, severely hampering transportation
- Destroyed public buildings and educational institutions
- Damaged water supply systems and communication networks
Relief Operations Intensify
State disaster response teams have been deployed across the affected areas to conduct comprehensive damage assessments and provide immediate relief to affected communities. Emergency restoration work has begun on priority to restore essential services and clear debris from vital transportation routes.
State government officials have assured that compensation packages for affected farmers and fisherfolk are being prepared, though the scale of damage suggests recovery will be a long and challenging process for the coastal district.
