ANDHRA PRADESH: Cyclone Montha causes ₹5,265 crore loss in Andhra: CM Chandrababu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu revealed that Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha inflicted preliminary damages totaling Rs.5,265 crore across the state.
After a thorough review meeting with officials, he shared these figures with the media, crediting proactive measures for keeping human losses at bay.
The storm, which made landfall near Antarvedi in the Konaseema district, spared lives entirely, according to Naidu’s initial assessment, though reports later confirmed two fatalities.
Tragically, 120 cattle perished amid the fury of winds and rains.
Sector-Wise Damage Breakdown
Naidu detailed the heaviest hits:
- Agriculture: Rs.829 crore, with crops over 87,000 hectares submerged.
- Roads & Buildings: Rs.2,079 crore from 380 km of damaged roads and 14 bridges.
- Irrigation: Minimal impact compared to past cyclones.
- Other sectors like fisheries and power added to the tally.
A comprehensive report will soon head to New Delhi for central aid.
Swift Response Curbs the Chaos
Foreseeing Montha’s path, teams geotagged every household for real-time tracking. Power outages, once lingering for 10 hours, bounced back in just three.
Fallen trees cluttering roads? Cleared amid downpours, not days later.
Naidu praised the “committed” workforce: “Everyone stepped up. I’m thrilled.” Drones, earthmovers, and over 1,000 chainsaws fueled the rapid recovery.
Lessons from the Storm
“You can’t halt nature, but preparation slashes the pain,” Naidu reflected, drawing from decades battling cyclones. Reservoirs now brim at 90% capacity with 98.5 TMC water, a silver lining.
This episode spotlights Andhra’s leap in disaster readiness, blending tech with grit. As cleanup rolls on, the state eyes a full rebound.