Cyclone Montha Wreaks Havoc in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana; 2.14 Lakh Acres of Crops Destroyed, 18 Lakh People Affected
Cyclone Montha Wreaks Havoc in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana; 2.14 Lakh Acres of Crops Destroyed, 18 Lakh People Affected
With rail tracks submerged and thousands in relief camps, Cyclone Montha leaves a trail of destruction across southern states; Andhra Pradesh and Telangana remain on high alert.
Cyclone Montha has unleashed severe devastation across Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. According to official estimates, around 18 lakh people have been affected, while crops spread across 2.14 lakh acres have been destroyed due to torrential rains and stormy winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km per hour.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed that three people have lost their lives due to the cyclone. The state has suffered heavy infrastructural damage, with nearly 2,294 kilometres of roads destroyed. Over 1,16,000 residents have been shifted to 1,209 relief camps across the affected districts.
Telangana on High Alert
The impact of Cyclone Montha has also extended into Telangana, where continuous heavy rainfall has been reported across several districts. The state government has issued a red alert in eight districts — including Warangal, Jangaon, Hanumakonda, Mahabubabad, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, and Suryapet.
Districts such as Nalgonda, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nagarkurnool, and Peddapalli have also been witnessing incessant rainfall and flood-like conditions. Hyderabad too has been lashed by heavy downpours. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure that rescue teams are ready to respond immediately.
Railways and Roads Submerged
The torrential rains have led to major disruptions in rail and road networks. Warangal railway station has been completely inundated, forcing the suspension of several train services. Waterlogging at the Dornakal railway yard in Mahabubabad district also led to multiple cancellations and diversions.
Floodwaters have entered low-lying areas, affecting transportation and communication lines. Roads in several towns have been rendered impassable, and authorities are working round-the-clock to restore basic connectivity.
Drones and NDRF Teams Lead Rescue Efforts
In Andhra Pradesh, rescue and relief efforts are being carried out with the help of technology and national disaster response forces. Drones have emerged as lifelines for many stranded residents. In one instance, a man named Sheikh Munna, who was swept away in floodwaters in Bapatla district, was rescued after police used a drone to locate him.
The administration has deployed 26 NDRF teams across the affected regions, with 666 people already evacuated to safer zones. Drones are being used extensively to monitor low-lying areas, assess damage, and alert residents to potential risks before conditions worsen.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Chief Minister Naidu has assured that relief and rehabilitation efforts are being expedited, with food supplies, drinking water, and medical aid being distributed at relief camps. Power restoration and road clearing work are underway in several districts.
Meanwhile, in Telangana, the government has instructed district officials to keep schools closed in the worst-affected areas until conditions improve. The meteorological department has forecast continued heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, urging people to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
