Cyclone Montha‘s Landfall Begins in Andhra with Wind Speed of 100 kmph

By NextMinuteNews Team | Updated: [Current Date and Time]

Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh): Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha made landfall near Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, early today, unleashing 100 kmph winds and torrential rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore districts as the cyclone wreaked havoc.

Landfall and Immediate Damage

The cyclone’s eye crossed Bapatla around 3:30 AM, flattening thatched homes, uprooting trees, and snapping power lines. Coastal areas faced tidal surges and flooding, while farmers reported extensive crop losses. Fishermen were warned against venturing into the turbulent sea.

IMD forecasts suggest Montha will weaken within 12 hours but continue to dump 200 mm of rain over the next 24 hours.

Mass Evacuations and Emergency Response

Andhra Pradesh evacuated 50,000+ residents to shelters in schools and community halls. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered officials to prioritize zero casualties, with NDRF deploying 10 teams and the Coast Guard on standby for rescues.

Transport and Communication Breakdown

• Flights: Cancellations at Vijayawada & Tirupati airports.
• Trains: 30+ routes diverted/canceled by South Central Railway.
• Roads: NH-16 blocked by fallen trees.
  Mobile networks in some regions were also disrupted.

Farmers Face Heavy Losses

Agrarian distress deepened as Montha ravaged paddy and cotton fields ahead of harvest. “Our crops are destroyed,” lamented Guntur farmer Srinivas Rao. The state pledged compensation, but urgent aid is needed.

Health Risks and Safety Alerts

Authorities distributed ORS and chlorine tablets to curb post-cyclone diseases. Residents were urged to avoid flooded areas and damaged power lines.

Climate Change Fuels More Cyclones

Montha is the third major Bay of Bengal cyclone this year, with experts linking the trend to warming seas. “Coastal states must bolster disaster readiness,” warned climate scientist Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll.

What’s Next?

IMD expects Montha to weaken into a depression but warns Telangana and Odisha of heavy rain as the system moves inland.

Follow NextMinuteNews for live updates on relief ops and weather forecasts.

— With inputs from IMD, NDRF, and Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority