Cyclone Montha has left a trail of destruction across Andhra Pradesh, prompting the State government to seek urgent financial assistance from the Centre. According to official estimates, the cyclone caused losses amounting to ₹6,384 crore, and the state has requested immediate interim relief of ₹901.4 crore to support recovery efforts.
An eight-member Central team led by Pasumibasu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Dr K Ponnuswamy, Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, arrived in Amaravati on Monday to assess the extent of damage. The central team was received at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) office, where officials made a detailed presentation on the impact of Cyclone Montha.
Cyclone Montha impact across 24 districts
Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) G Jayalakshmi and RTGS CEO Prakhar Jain, who is also the Managing Director of the AP State Disaster Management Authority (AP SDMA), briefed the central team on the widespread losses. Officials reported that Cyclone Montha affected 24 districts in Andhra Pradesh, damaging crops, infrastructure, and essential public services.
Montha floods destroyed over 1.61 lakh acres of crops ready for harvest in the agriculture sector, including paddy, cotton, green gram, and maize. Horticultural crops across 6,250 hectares and mulberry plantations covering 17.72 hectares also suffered extensive damage.
The fisheries sector suffered significant losses as floods washed away fish ponds spanning 3,063 hectares. Additionally, the cyclone damaged 4,566 houses and 1,853 schools, disrupting community life in several districts.
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4,794 km of roads, 311 bridges, and urban infrastructure damaged
The Roads and Buildings Department reported damage to around 4,794 km of roads and 311 bridges and culverts, which severely affected connectivity. The Irrigation Department reported harm to 3,437 minor and 2,417 major and medium irrigation structures. Torrential rainfall inundated 58 urban local bodies.
Officials emphasized the need for immediate central aid of ₹901.4 crore, stating that timely assistance from the Central government is critical for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in cyclone-hit areas.
Technology-driven response averted major casualties
Despite the extensive damage, officials credited technology-driven disaster management for preventing large-scale loss of human life. Leveraging past experiences, the Andhra Pradesh government implemented an advanced flood response system. Authorities deployed over 680 drones for real-time flood monitoring, rescue coordination, and damage assessment, marking one of the largest drone-based disaster responses in India.
Between October 27 and 29, Andhra Pradesh recorded 82.3 mm of rainfall, nine times the usual average. The cyclone impacted 443 mandals, leading to the submergence of 9,960 houses and the displacement of 1,11,402 people.
To manage the crisis, Andhra Pradesh government mobilised 12 NDRF teams, 13 SDRF teams, 1,702 vehicles, and 110 trained swimmers. Authorities set up 2,471 rehabilitation centres across 22 districts, providing shelter and essential services to 1,92,441 displaced individuals.
The Andhra Pradesh government reiterated its commitment to rebuilding affected regions and restoring normalcy at the earliest. Officials urged the Centre to release interim financial aid swiftly to expedite Cylone Montha relief and rehabilitation operations across the cyclone-ravaged districts.
