Cyclone Montha Hits Andhra Pradesh Coast: Impact, Casualties, and Emergency Response Measures

Severe Cyclonic storm Montha crossed the coast off Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, causing significant disruptions across the southern state, with effects extending to neighboring Odisha where normal life was affected in 15 districts. A tragic incident occurred in the Konaseema district where an elderly woman lost her life when a tree fell on her house due to the cyclone's impact. In another unfortunate event in the same district, a boy and an auto driver sustained injuries when strong winds uprooted coconut trees.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process began around 7 pm. The weather system was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, specifically near Kakinada.

The IMD's latest update indicated that the cyclone would continue moving north-northwestwards, crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada over the next two hours as a severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds were expected to reach 90-100 kmph with gusts up to 110 kmph.

The name "Montha" derives from the Thai language, referring to a fragrant flower.

Several districts in Andhra Pradesh experienced the maximum impact of the cyclone, including Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, and the Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions of Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

As a precautionary measure, the state government suspended all vehicle movement in these seven districts from 8:30 pm Tuesday until 6 am Wednesday. The cyclone was expected to affect 403 mandals across 22 districts throughout the state.

The IMD warned that the cyclone could damage standing paddy and vegetable crops in low-lying and inundated areas. Farmers received advisories to drain excess water from their fields where possible.

Authorities urged residents to stay informed about weather bulletins and follow safety advisories issued by the administration.

To maintain emergency communication capabilities, officials installed 81 wireless towers and 21 large lamps across affected regions.

The government prepared for post-cyclone cleanup operations by readying 1,447 earthmovers, 321 drones, and 1,040 chainsaws to clear uprooted trees.

As part of the preparedness strategy, authorities disseminated 3.6 crore alert messages to residents throughout the state.

Between 8:30 am and 4 pm, various districts recorded significant rainfall: Ulavapadu in Nellore district saw 12.6 cm, followed by Kavali (12.2 cm), Dagadarthi (12 cm), Singarayakonda (10.5 cm), B Kodur (6 cm), and both Visakhapatnam and Tuni recorded 2 cm each.

During a review meeting, officials informed Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that Nellore district had experienced the highest rainfall totals thus far.