Cyclone Montha made landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada around midnight last night, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding across coastal districts. IMD said the cyclone is now weakening as it moves northwest. 

 

Cyclone Montha caused major damage in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Nellore, Konaseema, and Kakinada districts. One person died in Konaseema after a tree fell in the strong winds. More than 38,000 hectares of crops and 1.38 lakh hectares of horticulture fields were destroyed. Roads, power lines, and beach roads were badly affected.

Over 76,000 people were moved to safe shelters. The government set up more than 3,000 relief centres and 200 medical camps. 11 NDRF and 12 SDRF teams were on the ground for rescue and repair works. Control rooms in 54 divisions are monitoring the situation round the clock. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is supervising relief operations through the Real-Time Governance Society.

The government sent over 3.6 crore alert messages and arranged food, water, and medical help for evacuees. The IMD has warned of more heavy rain and urged people in low-lying areas to stay alert.