Cyclone Montha loses strength; power, transport woes persist in Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu on Wednesday said that although the cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ has lost its strength, problems with electricity and transport are still troubling several districts across the state.
In Konaseema district, more than 300 electric poles were uprooted.
“While the severity of Cyclone Montha has subsided, power supply and transport disruptions still persist in several affected districts,” Atchannaidu said in an official press release.
The name ‘Montha’ means a fragrant flower in the Thai language.
How is the power restoration work progressing?
According to the minister, about 80 percent of the damaged electric poles in Konaseema have already been restored, and the rest of the work will be completed within hours. He said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had instructed officials to speed up efforts to bring electricity back to every household.
Nearly 54 substations in the district suffered damage, leading to the deployment of energy department teams from Ramachandrapuram, Rajamahendravaram and Mummidivaram, he added.
Fallen trees along 134 kilometres of roads have been cleared, restoring full movement of traffic. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has resumed all its bus services from Wednesday.
What kind of relief measures are in place?
More than 10,000 people have been sheltered in 400 relief camps in Konaseema district. The state government has announced financial assistance of ₹3,000 for each affected family and ₹1,000 for people.
Fishermen and weavers will receive 50 kg of rice each, with ration distribution beginning today.
Atchannaidu stated that about 20,000 acres of paddy and horticulture crops were damaged in Konaseema district. Special teams have been formed to assess the crop losses. The family of the woman who lost her life in Mamidikuduru mandal will be given ₹5 lakh as compensation.
What are NDRF and SDRF doing?
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are continuing restoration work. They have cleared fallen trees along the Nizampatnam–Repalle road, Machilipatnam–Manginapudi road and in the Anakapalli and Machilipatnam regions.
In Bapatla district, the police worked in coordination with other departments to handle the impact of the cyclone. District Superintendent of Police B Umamaheshwar said, “We have shifted around 11,000 people to 194 relief camps.” He confirmed that no casualties have been reported in the district.
According to the SP, Bapatla recorded an average rainfall of 135 mm, with some mandals receiving up to 250 mm, along with strong winds. More than 230 trees were uprooted, but thanks to the advance deployment of wood-cutting teams, major blockages were avoided.
Power supply was cut for six to eight hours in most areas as all substations were kept offline for safety reasons. District authorities are supplying essentials to affected areas, and mid-day meal teams have been mobilised to assist.
Several schools located on higher ground have been turned into relief camps. Over 1,300 police personnel and other teams are on duty, and 18 drones are being used for aerial monitoring. Nearly 500 heavy vehicles have been stopped from passing through the district as a precaution, the SP added.
What does the weather department say?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Montha weakened into a deep depression on Wednesday morning after moving north-north-westwards over coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana.
What precautions are advised?
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued safety guidelines for people after the cyclone.
It advised residents to drink only boiled or chlorinated water, remain indoors until officials declare it safe, avoid damaged buildings and stay alert around broken wires and fallen poles.
PTI inputs