Cyclone Montha made landfall late Tuesday night near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast, unleashing heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and widespread devastation. Packing sustained winds of 90–100 km/h and gusts up to 110 km/h, the storm tore through coastal regions before gradually weakening.
At least one person—a 48-year-old woman from Konaseema district—lost her life after a palm tree fell on her during the storm. Massive agricultural losses were reported, with over 38,000 hectares of standing crops and nearly 138,000 hectares of horticultural produce destroyed across the state. Uprooted trees, downed power lines, and flooding left several roads impassable, while tidal waves reaching up to three meters battered the shoreline.
Authorities evacuated nearly 76,000 people and set up more than 75 relief shelters in Visakhapatnam and nearby districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Montha has weakened into a cyclonic storm and is now moving northwest toward Telangana and parts of Odisha.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 12 teams in Andhra Pradesh and six in Odisha to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Meanwhile, local authorities are working tirelessly to restore power, clear debris, and monitor potential flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. Coastal residents have been advised to remain indoors, avoid beaches, and secure property as strong winds and heavy rainfall continue in parts of the state.
