Cyclone Montha Wreaks Havoc in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Introduction: Cyclone Montha’s Devastating Landfall

Cyclone Montha made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and widespread destruction across the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Originating in the Bay of Bengal, the storm intensified rapidly before hitting the coast, causing severe flooding, power outages, and transportation breakdowns.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Montha weakened into a deep depression over coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana by October 29 evening. However, its remnants continue to trigger extremely heavy rainfall and flash floods across several regions.

🌧️ Impact Across Andhra Pradesh

1. Casualties and Evacuations

• Two confirmed deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh due to storm-related incidents.

• Over 76,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal and riverine zones in districts such as East Godavari, Krishna, and Konaseema.

• Around 40 lakh residents across 19 districts were placed in the vulnerable category, according to Andhra Pradesh’s RTGS War Room.

2. Agricultural Losses

• Early assessments suggest damage to over 87,000 hectares of crops, including paddy, maize, and horticultural produce, as per The Hindu.

• In some regions, officials estimate the loss may exceed ₹17 crore in DISCOM infrastructure and ₹1 lakh hectares of farmland affected, reported by CNBC TV18 and Press Trust of India.

3. Infrastructure Damage

• Electric poles, roads, and bridges were destroyed by heavy winds.

• Over 11,000 power department staff are working round the clock to restore electricity across coastal districts.

• Key rail and road routes remain blocked due to fallen trees and inundated tracks, severely disrupting connectivity.

⚡ Telangana: Heavy Rains and Flash Floods

Orange and Yellow Alerts

The IMD issued an orange alert for 12 districts and a yellow alert for seven in Telangana, including Hyderabad, Nizamabad, and Warangal.
Several areas of Hyderabad witnessed continuous heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and traffic paralysis.

Train Services Disrupted

According to The Hindu, flooded tracks in Mahabubabad district disrupted multiple train services. Police and local volunteers extended support to stranded passengers.

Schools and Offices Closed

Local administrations in several Telangana districts declared holidays for schools and government institutions, prioritizing public safety amid persistent rainfall.

🌀 IMD Updates and Weather Outlook

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest bulletin, noted:

• Cyclone Montha has weakened into a deep depression as of October 29 evening.

• The system continues to move north-northwestward towards Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha regions.

• Extremely heavy rainfall is expected to persist over Telangana, and moderate showers may continue in Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar till October 31.

🚨 Government Response and Relief Operations

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Aerial Survey

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas, commending the state’s preparedness and coordinated rescue efforts. He emphasized a “zero-casualty mission”, ensuring rapid restoration of power, roads, and relief camps.

Opposition’s Criticism and Political Reactions

• Nara Lokesh, on social media, stated that the administration was on high alert, with 24x7 RTGS coordination ensuring timely evacuations.

• Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party criticized opposition leaders for “remaining inside their AC rooms” during the crisis, sparking a political war of words online.

Rescue and Relief Operations

• NDRF and SDRF teams were deployed in Krishna, East Godavari, and Konaseema districts for evacuations and relief distribution.

• Temporary shelters and medical camps were established to house thousands displaced by the cyclone.

🌾 Economic and Agricultural Fallout

According to India TV News, 20,000 acres of paddy have been submerged, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Crop insurance claims are expected to surge in the coming weeks as damage assessments continue.
Power and road repairs may cost the state over ₹100 crore, as estimated by preliminary reports.

✈️ Transportation Chaos: Flights and Trains Affected

• Rising Kashmir reported that 30 IndiGo, 2 Air India, and 5 Air India Express flights were cancelled due to poor weather.

• Major train routes between Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam were disrupted, as flooded tracks and landslides halted operations in Telangana.

🌊 Cyclone Montha Beyond Andhra: Ripple Effects Across States

The cyclone’s remnants have impacted Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam, causing landslides and heavy rainfall in hilly regions.
According to The Assam Tribune, a yellow alert remains in place across Assam as Montha weakens and moves northward.

Kolkata and nearby areas also witnessed continuous rain since the cyclone’s landfall, according to Telegraph India.

💡 Understanding Cyclone Montha: Origin and Meaning

As reported by Mid-Day, the name Montha was contributed by Myanmar, following the international naming convention for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
The storm originated over the Bay of Bengal, an area known for generating some of the world’s most powerful tropical systems, as explained by News18.

🌈 Conclusion: A Test of Preparedness and Resilience

Cyclone Montha stands as a reminder of nature’s immense power and the importance of disaster preparedness.
While Andhra Pradesh and Telangana witnessed heavy losses, early warnings, timely evacuations, and swift coordination by authorities prevented a larger tragedy.
The focus now shifts to rehabilitation and rebuilding—restoring crops, repairing infrastructure, and helping thousands return to normalcy.

As the skies clear, the storm’s aftermath leaves behind valuable lessons on resilience, coordination, and the need for robust climate disaster infrastructure.