Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall, Causing Disruptions in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Cyclone Montha made landfall off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, affecting normal life in Odisha. The storm caused significant rainfall, crop damage, and led to evacuations.

The severe cyclonic storm Montha made landfall off Andhra Pradesh's coast, disrupting life in the state and affecting 15 districts in neighbouring Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the storm began its landfall process around 7 pm. It crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada, with wind speeds reaching 90 to 100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph.

In Andhra Pradesh, Nellore district recorded the highest rainfall on Tuesday due to Montha. Tragically, a woman lost her life in Makanagudem village, Konaseema district, when a palmyra tree fell on her during strong winds. The cyclone destroyed standing crops over 38,000 hectares and horticulture crops in 1.38 lakh hectares. Approximately 76,000 residents were relocated to relief camps, and the government set up 219 medical camps across affected areas.

Impact on Transport and Infrastructure

Indian Railways cancelled, diverted, and rescheduled numerous trains across the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway Zone on Tuesday. Similarly, the South Central Railway (SCR) Zone cancelled 120 trains on Monday and Tuesday. All flights from Visakhapatnam Airport were cancelled on Tuesday due to the storm. Vijayawada Airport also cancelled 16 flights but managed to operate five.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that heavy rains were expected in 3,778 villages. Efforts were underway to clear fallen trees and improve sanitation and rainwater flow in several districts. Vehicle movement was suspended in cyclone-affected districts like Krishna, Eluru, and Kakinada from 8:30 pm to 6 am the next day, with emergency services exempted.

Odisha's Response to Cyclone Montha

In Odisha, Montha caused heavy rain in coastal and southern districts, leading to landslides and house damage while uprooting trees. Eight southern districts reported preliminary damage: Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. Normal life was disrupted across 15 districts.

A report from Anaka Gram Panchayat in Gajapati district noted that large boulders blocked roads to five villages after falling from nearby hills. This area was previously identified as landslide-prone. Balakrushna Mallick, a local panchayat functionary, mentioned that arrangements were made for early clearance of the blockage.

Preparedness Measures in Odisha

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparations for the storm's impact. Over 2,000 cyclone shelters were established for affected individuals with a Zero Casualty goal set by the government. The CM stated that 153 rescue teams comprising over 6,000 personnel from NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Service were stationed at vulnerable locations across eight southern districts.

The administration announced school closures in nine districts until October 30 and cancelled government employee leave until then. Beaches were sealed to prevent tourists and locals from accessing shores, according to Special Relief Commissioner D K Singh.

In Rayagada district's Gunupur, Gudari, and Ramnaguda areas, trees were uprooted by strong winds. In Mohana of Gajapati district, a mud-walled house collapsed due to continuous rain injuring one person; another house's tin roof was blown away by winds.

With inputs from PTI