In the aftermath of Cyclone Montha, which battered parts of coastal and southern Andhra Pradesh, relief and rehabilitation work is being carried out on a war footing. The cyclone has so far claimed three lives and caused extensive damage to farmlands, infrastructure, and livestock.
Authorities have announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and directed district administrations to complete disbursal at the earliest. Over 87,000 hectares of agricultural land have been affected, impacting around 78,796 farmers across 1,825 villages. The cyclone also resulted in the death of 42 cattle, adding to the hardship of rural communities.
Focus on Rapid Restoration
Restoration work is being closely monitored, with power supply expected to be restored across affected regions within 24 hours and road repairs already underway. Special attention is being given to low-lying and coastal areas where flooding and waterlogging disrupted connectivity.
Officials have been instructed to ensure timely repairs and maintain transparent reporting mechanisms to track progress effectively.
Damage Assessment and Accountability
Teams from the Disaster Management Department and local administrations are conducting field inspections to evaluate the full scale of damage. During review meetings, authorities have underlined the importance of preventive infrastructure to handle future cyclones better.
Incidents of waterlogging and delayed response in certain districts have drawn concern, prompting reminders for stronger coordination and accountability among local departments.
Support for Affected Farmers
Given the significant agricultural losses, a detailed assessment is underway to identify farmers eligible for compensation under state and disaster relief norms. Measures are being taken to provide seed support, crop insurance assistance, and agri-input subsidies to help farmers recover and resume cultivation swiftly.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience
While immediate relief is the priority, long-term strategies include improving flood management systems, upgrading drainage networks, and strengthening cyclone shelters in coastal zones. Officials emphasized the need for community-level preparedness and early warning systems to minimize the impact of future weather events.
The ongoing operations mark a critical step in rebuilding resilience and restoring normalcy across cyclone-affected Andhra Pradesh.
