A severe cyclone, named Cyclone Montha, has significantly impacted India’s eastern coastline, particularly in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, with damages estimated at nearly 53 billion rupees (approximately $603 million). Making landfall on Tuesday night, the cyclone unleashed heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to extensive flooding of farms, roads, and residential areas.
An early assessment by state authorities revealed that the agricultural sector bore the brunt of the destruction, incurring losses around 8.68 billion rupees. In addition to property damages, the storm reportedly resulted in the death of 120 animals. Fortunately, state Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu noted that no human fatalities have been confirmed; however, some local media outlets reported two casualties.
In neighboring Telangana, heavy rains from the cyclone also triggered flooding, impacting multiple regions. Visual reports from news agencies depicted harrowing scenes of residents wading through knee-deep water, salvaging belongings. Rescue teams were actively engaged in assisting individuals stranded in flooded areas, highlighting the community’s resilience and collective effort during this crisis.
According to India’s weather department, Cyclone Montha is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area within 24 hours. The frequency of cyclones along India’s eastern coast, especially during the months of April to December, underscores the need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters. Past events, like the super cyclone that devastated Odisha in 1999 and claimed nearly 10,000 lives, serve as sobering reminders of the potential scale of destruction.
As assessments continue, there is hope that the affected communities will receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild. The spirit of solidarity and proactive measures from local authorities and residents alike could pave the way for a resilient response to this calamity.