Cyclone Montha's Fury: Andhra Pradesh Battles Nature's Wrath

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-10-28 18:06:34 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 04:10:33

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As the sun set over Andhra Pradesh on October 28, 2025, the state braced for the full impact of Cyclone Montha, a severe cyclonic storm that had formed earlier that day. With winds howling at 17 kmph, the storm's eye was set on a path of destruction, making landfall near Kakinada around 7 p.m., a coastal city now at the epicenter of this natural disaster.

The storm's wrath was felt across the state, particularly in the districts of SPSR Nellore and Prakasam, where rainfall exceeded 100 mm, flooding fields and submerging hopes. Ulavapadu, in SPSR Nellore, bore the brunt, recording a staggering 167 mm of rainfall. The deluge damaged over 43,000 hectares of crops, primarily paddy and cotton, leaving 83,000 farmers grappling with the aftermath. The power sector, too, took a hit, with losses surpassing 2,200 crore rupees due to damaged infrastructure.

The cyclone's impact was not limited to agriculture and infrastructure. The bustling city of Visakhapatnam saw 32 flights grounded, and 20 trains were cancelled, disrupting travel and commerce. The Kakinada district administration, however, was swift in its response, setting up 401 relief camps and evacuating 35,000 people, with school buses playing a vital role in the operation. Religious institutions also opened their doors, providing sanctuary to those in need.

"We must be prepared with emergency machinery, communication systems, and field-level coordination," emphasized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, underscoring the state's commitment to mitigating the cyclone's impact. As the storm continues its path, the focus shifts to recovery and rebuilding, with the state's resilience and unity set to be tested in the challenging days ahead.

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