Visakhapatnam, Oct 29:
Cyclone Montha tore through the Andhra coast early Wednesday morning, bringing gusts up to 120 km/h, uprooting trees, flooding roads, and forcing the evacuation of more than 1.2 lakh residents from vulnerable coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the Konaseema and Kakinada districts, warning of flash floods and storm surges as the system moves northwest.
Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said the government’s “top priority is zero casualty.” Twenty-three NDRF and SDRF teams are deployed with inflatable boats and drones to assess damage once winds subside. Train and flight services from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada were suspended, while power lines snapped across several blocks.
Meteorologists classify Montha as the fifth severe Bay of Bengal storm in this decade — a reminder of the rising frequency of climate-driven weather extremes. “The Bay is warming rapidly; intense cyclones are now forming twice as fast,” said Dr R. K. Jenamani, senior IMD scientist.
Neighbouring Odisha and Chhattisgarh have also sounded orange alerts for heavy rainfall. The IMD expects Montha to weaken into a deep depression by Thursday morning.
Impact on Life and Economy:
Agricultural fields of paddy and cashew have suffered early losses. Disaster-management officials estimate preliminary damage above ₹450 crore. Relief camps have been set up with food, clean water, and mobile medical units.
Government Appeal:
The Centre assured full assistance under the National Disaster Relief Fund. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences and urged citizens to follow local advisories strictly.
“We are resilient. Lives come first; property can be rebuilt,” CM Reddy said in a televised address.
Highlights
Cyclone Montha winds: 110–120 km/h
1.2 lakh people evacuated in Andhra
IMD issues red alert for Odisha districts
Train & flight operations halted
Storm to weaken in 24 hours
