Cyclone Montha has caused extensive damage throughout coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, leaving behind trees dislocated from their roots, roadways inundated with floodwaters, and homes with significant structural damage. The cyclone made landfall late Tuesday night, bringing extreme levels of rainfall and winds of over 100 kmph, bringing life to a standstill and initiating significant rescue and relief operations.
Widespread Damage and Disruption
In Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts in Andhra, strong winds uprooted hundreds of trees and corresponding electric poles, blocking key highways. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with state emergency teams, braved difficult winds throughout the night to clear mow down the trees and restore at least basic connectivity. Many coastal villages remain without electricity as the administration works on repairs for lines downed as a result of the storm.
In Odisha, large amounts of rainfall resulted in the hilly areas of Gajapati and Rayagada experiencing landslides, disrupting transportation by road and rail. Thus, the administration has migrated thousands of individuals from low lying to temporary sites, with food and medical supplies on hand, with schools and colleges throughout the affected areas already closed.
Fishermen and Coastal Communities Suffer Most
Fishing is at a standstill along the coast. Cyclone Montha caused extensive damage to the boats and nets of local fishermen, creating a major setback for their incomes. Families living in coastal areas, especially those who only had livelihoods connected to the sea, have moved into emergency cyclone shelters and the community hall, where relief supplies, including ready-to-eat dry goods, milk, and water, are currently being distributed.
Local reports indicate that while frequent warnings were provided for at least 7 days prior to the cyclone, some villagers were not ready for the storm’s sudden and overwhelming intensity. Rescue teams are continuing their work in many remote areas where trees have fallen and flooded roads have cut communities off from evacuating.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Both Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have closely monitored the situation. Both state governments have announced monetary help for the affected families and that basic services will be resumed quickly. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to alert that in some of the interior districts heavy rainfall will continue for at least another 24 hours, and urges that people stay indoors, or avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
A Region in Transition
Now that the skies are clearing, we will begin to see the full impact of Cyclone Montha: empty streets, homes flooded, and flattened crops across vast and sprawling farm fields. The residents of Andhra and Odisha can now pivot from the devastation they suffered to rebuilding lives and recovering from the latest blow from nature’s fury. This is an important lesson learned that signifies the fragile relationship between mankind and nature.
