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Cyclone Montha Unleashes Havoc Across Three States
Cyclone Montha has left a trail of devastation in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, claiming at least three lives and causing severe damage. The severe cyclonic storm made landfall early Monday, bringing torrential rains, 100+ km/h winds, and flooding, disrupting daily life and crippling infrastructure.
Landfall and Immediate Aftermath
Montha intensified over the Bay of Bengal before striking Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. The storm then advanced inland, battering Odisha and Telangana with heavy rains, uprooted trees, and power outages.
In Andhra, thousands were evacuated, but the cyclone’s fury proved overwhelming. Tragically, a fisherman drowned in Srikakulam, and a woman died in Vizianagaram after a wall collapse.
Odisha and Telangana Face Severe Impact
Odisha, still recovering from past cyclones, endured flash floods in Ganjam and Gajapati. A 12-year-old boy lost his life in a Gajapati landslide, with rescue teams working to aid survivors.
Hyderabad and nearby Telangana districts were submerged after relentless rains. The GHMC reported extensive road and drainage damage, leaving residential areas waterlogged and powerless.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Intensify
NDRF and SDRF teams are conducting rescue missions, while emergency shelters house displaced families. Andhra CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced ₹10 crore in relief, Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik prioritized restoration, and Telangana began damage assessments.
Agriculture and Economy Suffer Heavy Losses
Farmers face ruin as paddy and horticulture crops were destroyed. Coastal Andhra and Odisha anticipate massive financial setbacks, while fishermen remain grounded due to rough seas. Urban businesses, transport networks, and small vendors also reported severe disruptions.
Weather Updates and Safety Alerts
The IMD forecasts Montha will weaken into a depression within 24 hours, but Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand may see heavy rain. Citizens are urged to avoid floodwaters and unstable structures.
Conclusion: A Call for Long-Term Resilience
Cyclone Montha underscores the eastern coast’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Strengthened infrastructure, early warnings, and community preparedness are critical to mitigating future disasters.
Stay updated on relief efforts via NextMinuteNews’ live coverage.
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