Cyclone Montha Andhra: Devastation and Agricultural Losses in Andhra Pradesh
Cyclone Montha Andhra made landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on the evening of October 28, 2025, bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and extensive destruction to the state’s coastal and low-lying areas. The severe cyclonic storm, named by Thailand, weakened into a cyclonic storm after crossing the coast, but its impact has been significant, leading to widespread damage, crop losses, and continued rainfall across multiple Indian states. This news regarding Cyclone Montha Andhra is trending now.
Landfall and Initial Impact of Cyclone Montha Andhra
The landfall process began around 7 PM on October 28, with the cyclone crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, south of Kakinada and near Narsapur. Sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, with gusts up to 110 kmph, battered the region, causing uprooted trees, snapped electric poles, and damage to infrastructure. The village of Rajolu on the Konaseema coast witnessed severe flooding due to tidal surges, forcing many residents to relocate to relief centers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extremely heavy rainfall, particularly in Nellore district, causing river breaches that resembled sea incursions. The impact of Cyclone Montha Andhra was immediate and severe.
Devastating Crop Losses from Cyclone Montha Andhra
Cyclone Montha has inflicted significant crop damage on Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural sector. Preliminary estimates indicate that standing crops across approximately 38,000 hectares and horticulture crops in about 1.38 lakh hectares have been affected. Paddy and cotton crops have been the worst hit, accounting for over 80% of the total damaged area. Maize and blackgram also suffered extensive losses. In total, an estimated 83,000 farmers across 292 mandals and 1,712 villages have been impacted by this cyclonic storm. The loss to the state’s power sector alone is pegged at approximately Rs 2,200 crore, with damage to roughly 1,632 km of roads also reported. This news is significant now, highlighting the severity of Cyclone Montha Andhra.
Extended Rainfall and Wider Impact of Cyclone Montha
While Cyclone Montha made landfall in Andhra Pradesh, its influence has extended across a wide swathe of India. The IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and eastern Nepal through October 31. Odisha experienced torrential rainfall and strong winds in its southern districts, though major damage was largely avoided. Telangana, particularly its northern districts and areas along the Godavari River basin, braced for heavy rainfall India, gusty winds, and flash floods. Districts like Bhadrachalam and Khammam were identified as particularly vulnerable. Southern West Bengal also saw moderate rainfall, with yellow alerts issued for several districts due to potential thunderstorms.
Government Response and Relief Efforts for Cyclone Montha Andhra
Authorities responded swiftly to the impending threat of Cyclone Montha Andhra. The Andhra Pradesh government evacuated nearly 76,000 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to over 800 relief camps. Pregnant women and high-risk individuals received priority attention. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were deployed for rescue and relief operations, clearing debris, restoring power, and providing essential supplies. The government ordered the free distribution of daily essentials, including rice, lentils, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, and sugar, to affected families. Efforts are also underway to clean drains and remove waterlogging. In Telangana, schools were shut in several districts as a precautionary measure. The Union Health Ministry reviewed preparedness measures with eastern coastal states and assured full support for emergency medical response.
Human Toll and Infrastructure Disruptions from Cyclone Montha
Tragically, Cyclone Montha claimed at least two lives in Andhra Pradesh. A woman in Makanagudem village, Konaseema district, died when an uprooted palmyra tree fell on her. Following the landfall, train and flight operations were severely impacted, with numerous cancellations and diversions. Visakhapatnam Airport cancelled all its scheduled flights on October 28. Road communication was also hampered by fallen trees and flooding, though restoration efforts are progressing. The government has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of damaged structures and electrical lines. The overall coastal damage was significant.
Looking Ahead After Cyclone Montha Andhra
As Cyclone Montha Andhra weakens and moves inland, the focus is now on long-term restoration and rehabilitation. The event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. Comprehensive strategies, including investment in resilient infrastructure and enhanced early warning systems, are crucial for coastal communities to better withstand such cyclonic storm events in the future. This is a critical news update now, emphasizing the need for preparedness against future events like the recent disaster relief efforts.
