Cyclone Montha‘s Devastation: 10 Critical Updates
Cyclone Montha unleashed chaos along India’s eastern coastline, striking Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with torrential rains and 120+ km/h winds. The storm claimed one life, damaged crops worth crores, and forced mass evacuations as authorities race to restore normalcy.
1. First Fatality Reported
A 45-year-old man in Srikakulam (Andhra) died after a cyclone-toppled tree crushed him. Over a dozen injuries were reported across both states.
2. Record Rainfall Triggers Floods
Coastal districts like Srikakulam, Vizianagaram (AP), and Ganjam (Odisha) recorded 200+ mm rainfall in 24 hours, submerging villages and breaching river banks.
3. Power Grid Collapses in 100+ Villages
Uprooted poles caused blackouts in 8 coastal towns. BSNL reported mobile network failures, hampering emergency communication.
4. 50,000 Evacuated to Safety
Pre-emptive relocations minimized casualties. 120+ relief camps provide food and medical aid to displaced families in government schools.
5. Agriculture Sector Worst Hit
Paddy fields and coconut farms lay ruined in 5 districts. Initial estimates peg losses at ₹500+ crore.
6. Transport Chaos: Trains Cancelled, Highways Blocked
- 14 express trains halted
- NH16 (Visakhapatnam-Cuttack) closed for 12+ hours
- Restoration teams clearing debris
7. NDRF Deploys 15 Rescue Teams
Helicopters and boats deployed to reach 20 marooned villages. Over 1,200 people rescued by Tuesday afternoon.
8. IMD’s Early Warning Saved Lives
Fishermen heeded 72-hour advance alerts. Major ports (Visakhapatnam, Paradip) suspended operations preemptively.
9. Storm Weakens but Rain Continues
Cyclone downgraded to depression; orange alerts issued for interior Odisha, Chhattisgarh till Thursday.
10. PM Modi Pledges Central Aid
The PM assured Andhra CM Jagan and Odisha CM Naveen of full support. MHA releases ₹50 crore immediate relief fund.
Aftermath and Recovery Efforts
- Schools, govt offices shut for 48 hours
- NGOs mobilizing dry ration kits
- IMD predicts rainfall relief by Friday
How to Help: Donate via verified portals like PM-CARES or SEEDS India.
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