Cyclone Montha, which crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast past midnight on Tuesday, left three persons dead, damaged standing crops over 1.50 lakh acres and disrupted power and transportation. The government said the loss was minimised due to the precautionary measures put in place.
Neighbouring Telangana and Odisha also received heavy rain, causing widespread damage to crops. Besides three human deaths, 42 livestock also died during the cyclone.
Montha crossed Andhra Pradesh coast around Antarvedi village in Konaseema district, near Narasapur in West Godavari district in the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. Following its landfall, Montha weakened into a deep depression over coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana.
In Telangana, the IMD has issued flood alerts in 16 districts. According to the Chief Minister’s office, the government has pressed SDRF and NDRF teams into action for rescue of people stranded in waterlogged areas.
In neighbouring Odisha, the incessant rain and high-velocity winds caused widespread damage to standing crops in various districts across southern and coastal parts of the state.
There are also reports of damage to road infrastructure in parts of Gajapati and Ganjam districts due to landslides triggered by heavy downpour.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said rainfall still continuing in some part. “We have received preliminary reports that the rainfall has caused extensive damage to standing crops and ready to harvest crops. The agriculture department has been asked to submit a report for necessary assistance,” said Pujari.
