Cyclone Montha leaves one dead, roads inundated, trees uprooted, crops damaged in Andhra

After making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast overnight, severe cyclonic storm Montha left a woman dead, inundated roads, and uprooted trees at several places in the state, officials said.

Citing preliminary estimates, the government noted on Tuesday that standing agricultural crops in as many as 38,000 hectares were destroyed due to Montha, and horticulture crops in 1.38 lakh hectares were damaged.

The 43-year-old woman died at Makanagudem village in Konaseema district on October 28 after a palmyra tree was uprooted and fell on her due to strong winds. Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) managing director Prakhar Jain confirmed the death and said APSDMA is validating reports of damage. He added that there were no major injuries due to the cyclone.

West Godavari district superintendent of police Adnan Nayeem Asmi said 141 trees were uprooted across the district and eight snake bites were reported. "The cyclone crossed the coast near Antarvedi. Damage is very limited, including the uprooting of some poles and trees. One or two thatched houses were damaged in Mogalturu area," Asmi said, adding that there was no loss of life in the district. He noted there was no major interruption to electricity, though authorities cut power supply in some places as a precaution.

West Godavari district additional superintendent of police V Bhima Rao highlighted that excellent advanced preparations were in place, enabling the clearance of uprooted trees within 15 minutes. Around midnight, when Montha — meaning a fragrant flower in Thai — crossed the coast, the sea advanced up to the beach road in Perupalem village. Rao credited effective cyclone management to extensive public awareness campaigns and improved communication in seaside villages using wireless sets.

In Antarvedi village of Konaseema district, where the cyclone made landfall, a police official reported limited damage, including the uprooting of 200 trees and damage to 70 power poles. Two people were injured due to collapsed trees. "Though the cyclone moved all around us, there was no heavy rain," the official said, noting light drizzle, wind, and cloudy skies on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, G Sai Prasad, special chief secretary for disaster management, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the rain and flood situation and directed officials to distribute essential commodities. "Government hereby accords permission to the district collectors of affected districts for distribution of essential commodities free of cost for families in relief camps and fishermen whose livelihood got affected," Prasad said in a government order.

The government will distribute 25 kg of rice, red gram dal, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, and sugar (1 kg each). For weavers and fishermen, double the quantity of rice — 50 kg — will be provided.