Cyclone Montha Ravages Andhra Pradesh, Damages Crops and Infrastructure

Amaravati, October 30, 2025 Severe Cyclone Montha, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Wednesday, left widespread destruction in its wake, impacting nearly 18 lakh people across the state. According to an initial government report, the cyclone damaged crops spread over 2.14 lakh acres and caused severe harm to infrastructure, including 2,294 kilometres of roads maintained by the Roads and Buildings Department. Authorities confirmed two fatalities and the loss of 42 cattle, while over 1.16 lakh residents have been moved to safety in 1,209 relief camps across affected districts. The cyclone struck 249 mandals, 1,434 villages, and 48 municipalities, causing extensive damage to homes, crops, and public infrastructure. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was briefed that standing crops across 1,825 villages in 304 mandals were severely affected. Paddy, cotton, maize, and millet were among the worst-hit, with over 1.45 lakh acres submerged. Approximately 78,796 farmers have been directly impacted by the agricultural losses. The Roads and Buildings Department reported damages worth ₹1,424 crore, with multiple stretches washed away and 14 bridges and culverts collapsing under the force of the cyclone. Panchayat Raj roads also sustained extensive damage, further hampering connectivity in rural areas. The Water Supply Department estimated losses at ₹36 crore, while damages to the Irrigation Department stood at ₹16.45 crore. Officials also noted that floodwaters were flowing over 297 roads, forcing diversions, while authorities had cleared around 380 uprooted trees to reopen blocked routes. Chief Minister Naidu, who conducted an aerial survey over the cyclone-affected Konaseema district and visited several impacted areas, instructed officials to prioritise restoring electricity and road networks. He also directed the immediate distribution of rice and essential supplies to families staying in relief centres. During his visit to Udelarevu in Konaseema district, Naidu met with residents in a relief camp, distributed aid materials, and inspected the extent of crop damage firsthand. He assured farmers that the government was carrying out detailed assessments to ensure fair compensation. Reflecting on the state’s response, the Chief Minister commended the coordination between the administration, district officials, and public representatives. “Having faced many cyclones in my career, I can say that this time the response was swift and effective,” Naidu said. “Except for two unfortunate deaths, we managed to prevent large-scale loss of life.” Naidu also noted that heavy rainfall battered Nellore, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts, while strong winds inflicted significant damage across several others. Officials confirmed that rainfall had eased after the cyclone’s passage, allowing relief and restoration operations to progress rapidly. As Andhra Pradesh begins its recovery, the focus remains on rebuilding damaged infrastructure, compensating affected farmers, and ensuring that communities return to normalcy with renewed Cyclone Montha Hits Andhra Pradesh, Causes Widespread Damage Cyclone Montha battered Andhra Pradesh, affecting nearly 18 lakh people and damaging crops across 2.14 lakh acres. Over 2,200 km of roads and several bridges were destroyed, while two lives and 42 cattle were lost. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted an aerial survey of affected regions and directed officials to restore power and distribute relief supplies swiftly. More than 1.16 lakh people have been sheltered in relief camps as recovery efforts continue. Despite severe losses, authorities credited timely preparedness for minimizing casualties and ensuring rapid response across the cyclone-hit districts.