10 months ago
Cyclone Montha Causes Destruction Across Andhra Pradesh
A big storm named Cyclone Montha hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh, bringing strong winds and lots of rain.
This caused damage to farms, knocked down trees and power poles, and flooded roads.
Because of the storm, police stopped cars and trucks from driving on some main roads to keep people safe.
One young girl sadly drowned in a stream, but officials worked hard to prevent more deaths and damage.
The weather is expected to get better, and things should start returning to normal soon, with transport services likely to resume.
Cyclone Montha made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast with heavy rain and winds up to 110 kmph.
The cyclone caused extensive damage to over 2 lakh hectares of crops, uprooted trees and electricity poles, and damaged roads.
One death was reported in Konaseema district due to drowning; no other major casualties were immediately confirmed.
Vehicular traffic was suspended on NH-16 and in several districts, with services expected to resume on Thursday.
Relief and rescue teams, including NDRF and SDRF, are actively involved in clearing debris and assisting affected populations.
- Who
- Severe cyclonic storm Montha, Andhra Pradesh government officials, police, NDRF, SDRF, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, District Collectors, Superintendents of Police.
- What
- Caused widespread destruction including crop damage, uprooted trees and poles, road damage, power outages, and inundation. Vehicular traffic was suspended in many areas. One death reported.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh coast, primarily affecting coastal and low-lying districts.
- When
- Late Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
- Why
- The severe cyclonic storm Montha made landfall with heavy rain and strong winds.
Public Behavior
Government Efforts
Risk Taking
Public Behavior
Despite repeated warnings and alert messages, some people were out on the streets capturing the effects of Cyclone Montha on their mobile phones and creating social media content.
Government Efforts
The administration implemented measures like sending 3.6 crore alert messages and establishing checkpoints to discourage people from venturing out, while police cautioned against crossing swollen streams and culverts.
Information Dissemination
Public Behavior
Citizens were urged to ignore social media rumours.
Government Efforts
Official updates were to be followed, and a round-the-clock control room was operational to respond to emergencies.
Key facts
- Cyclone Name
- Montha
- Impacted Areas
- Coastal and low-lying areas of Andhra Pradesh, including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Konaseema, Nellore, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Kakinada, Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema, Prakasam, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Tirupati, Chittamur, Ozili, Doravarisatram, Satyavedu.
- Landfall Location
- Between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, south of Kakinada
- Wind Speed at Landfall
- 110 km per hour
- Crop Damage
- Over 2 lakh hectares of standing crops and horticulture
- Traffic Restrictions
- Suspended on NH-16 and in several districts until further notice. State transport, private bus, rail, and air services expected to resume Thursday.
- Casualties
- One death reported in Konaseema district (girl drowned in a stream); no other major human or cattle casualties reported as of early Wednesday.
Timeline
Cyclone Shakti threatened Maharashtra's coast.
Meanwhile, North Andhra prepared for Cyclone Montha.
Montha then struck Andhra Pradesh, causing damage.
Authorities closed NH-16 due to flooding.
Quotes
District Collector
Dr Venkateswar
“the district recorded 4.5 cm of rainfall on Monday, with the highest precipitation in the coastal mandals of Ozili, Doravarisatram, Chittamur, and Satyavedu.”
thehansindia.com
“the district administration, he added, is fully prepared to tackle the cyclone’s impact and ensure there is no loss of life or property.”
thehansindia.com
Special Officer Arun Babu
District Special Officer
“precautionary steps have been taken as most tanks in the district are already full.”
thehansindia.com
“the administration is working to prevent any untoward incidents.”
thehansindia.com
N Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
“once the wind speed comes down, teams will fly drones to assess flooded areas.”
indianexpress.com
Police and district administration officers
Officials responsible for public safety and order
“despite repeated warnings and messages, people were out on the streets capturing the effects of Cyclone Montha on their mobile phones and creating reels for social media.”
indianexpress.com
Sk Shamim
APSRTC Nellore regional manager
“nearly 40 percent of bus services under Atmakur, Kandukur, Kavali, Nellore-I, Nellore-II, and Udayagiri depots have been suspended.”
thehansindia.com
Dr S Venkateswar
District Collector
“Cyclone Montha is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds across the district until Wednesday.”
thehansindia.com
Meteorological Department
Official Weather Agency
“winds of 60 to 70 kmph are expected when the cyclone crosses the coast.”
thehansindia.com
Superintendent of Police Subba Rayudu
SP
“especially in coastal regions, to stay indoors unless necessary and to avoid crossing culverts and canals, where accidents are more likely.”
thehansindia.com
