Imagine waking up to 210 mm of rain in a single day – that’s what residents of Nellore faced as Cyclone Montha unleashed its fury on coastal Andhra Pradesh. This “fragrant flower” named by Thailand has brought nothing but destruction, with one woman dead and over 76,000 people forced into shelters.
The Landfall That Shook Andhra
At 7:23 PM on October 28, 2025, the severe cyclonic storm Montha began its landfall near Kakinada. With winds reaching 110 kmph, the cyclone battered coastal areas for nearly four hours before moving inland. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the storm would maintain cyclonic intensity for six hours after landfall.
Nellore district recorded the highest rainfall at 210 mm, causing flash floods that submerged roads and farmland. In Konaseema district, a 45-year-old woman died when a palm tree crushed her home during the storm’s peak winds.
Agricultural Catastrophe Unfolds
Preliminary reports reveal staggering agricultural losses:
| Affected Area | Crop Damage | Farmers Impacted |
|---|---|---|
| 43,000 hectares | Standing crops destroyed | 83,000 farmers |
| 1.38 lakh hectares | Horticulture crops ruined | 292 mandals affected |
Paddy fields suffered the most damage (31,267 hectares), followed by cotton crops (15,680 hectares). Konaseema district reported the worst losses with 10,099 hectares submerged.
Coastal Districts Bear the Brunt
These areas faced the storm’s full force:
- Kakinada: 9,700 residents evacuated from coastal villages
- Visakhapatnam: All 32 flights cancelled at airport
- Annamayya: Roads washed away by flash floods
- Chittoor: Farmland inundated by runoff from hills
In Prakasam district, continuous rains caused the Penna River to overflow, while in Chennai, temple tanks overflowed as the city received its heaviest October rainfall in decades.
Mass Evacuation Efforts
Authorities moved swiftly to protect residents:
- 76,000 people shifted to 219 relief camps
- 2,048 disaster shelters opened in Odisha
- 140 rescue teams deployed across affected states
- 865 tonnes of animal fodder arranged
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to apply lessons from previous cyclones, stating: “We must ensure minimal loss of life and property through proactive measures.”
Transportation Gridlock
The storm caused major travel disruptions:
Flight Cancellations
- Visakhapatnam: All 32 flights grounded
- Hyderabad: 35 flights cancelled
- Vijayawada: 16 flights scrapped
Train Disruptions
- 32 trains cancelled in East Coast Railway zone
- 9 trains originating from Visakhapatnam scrapped
- South Central Railway advised against non-essential travel
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally reviewed preparedness, activating emergency war rooms in vulnerable divisions.
Aftermath and Recovery
As Montha weakens, new challenges emerge:
- Multiple landslides reported in Odisha’s Gajapati district
- Power outages across coastal Andhra
- Road networks damaged in Bapatla and Annamayya districts
- 87 irrigation tanks breached in Prakasam alone
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported: “Thankfully, damages are less than anticipated. Only minor landslides and uprooted trees so far.”
Critical Helpline Numbers
State governments activated emergency response:
- Chittoor: 08572-242777
- Nellore: 0861-2331261
- Kakinada: 0884-2356801
- Bapatla: 0863-2234014
The National Disaster Management Authority activated cell broadcast alerts across Andhra and Odisha, sending real-time warnings to millions of phones.
Regional Impact Spreads
While Andhra suffered the worst effects, neighboring states felt Montha’s reach:
| State | Impact | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai reservoirs overflow | Orange Alert |
| Odisha | Landslides in 8 districts | Red Alert |
| Telangana | Hyderabad moderate rains | Yellow Alert |
Kerala issued yellow alerts for eight districts as the cyclone’s remnant energy fueled continued rainfall. Even Rajasthan reported unexpected downpours, with Bundi receiving 130 mm rainfall.
Why “Montha”?
The Thailand Meteorological Department named this storm, with “Montha” meaning “beautiful flower” in Thai. Ironically, this floral-named cyclone has caused anything but beauty, joining the list of devastating storms that regularly batter India
Historical Context: When Beauty Meets Danger
Montha joins an infamous list of floral-named storms that turned deadly:
| Cyclone Name | Year | Damage (INR Crore) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phailin (Sapphire) | 2013 | 14,000 | Thai for “sapphire” |
| Titli (Butterfly) | 2018 | 3,500 | Hindi for “butterfly” |
| Fani (Snake) | 2019 | 9,336 | Bengali for “snake” |
Meteorologists note a worrying trend – 6 of India’s 10 costliest cyclones have occurred since 2010. IMD scientist Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warns: “Warmer sea surfaces are acting like steroid shots for cyclones, making them intensify faster.”
Farmers Face Long Road to Recovery
The timing couldn’t be worse for Andhra’s agricultural heartland:
- Paddy farmers lost crops weeks before harvest
- Banana plantations flattened in Konaseema
- Floriculture exports worth ₹200 crore ruined
- Saltwater intrusion threatens soil fertility
Kurnool farmer Venkatesh Reddy surveys his waterlogged fields: “I invested ₹3 lakh borrowing money. Now even the seed is gone. How will I repay?” Agricultural experts estimate recovery could take 2-3 seasons even with government aid.
The Human Face of Disaster
Behind the staggering numbers lie heartbreaking stories:
My entire village looks like soup – rice fields turned to lakes, cattle swimming where goats grazed. We’ve lost everything but our lives. #CycloneMontha
@RameshAndhra
In Nellore’s relief camps, volunteers distribute:
- 1.5 lakh food packets daily
- 57,000 mosquito nets
- 2.3 lakh water purification tablets
- Special nutrition kits for 12,000 children
Medical Crisis Brewing
Health officials report emerging challenges:
- 87 cases of leptospirosis in waterlogged areas
- Dengue cases up 300% in Prakasam district
- 4,000 snakebite incidents reported statewide
- Mental health helplines receiving 500+ calls daily
Mobile medical units have treated over 23,000 patients since landfall, with skin infections and respiratory illnesses becoming increasingly common.
Rebuilding Smarter
Authorities now focus on reconstruction with cyclone resilience:
| Initiative | Budget (₹ Cr) | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclone-proof houses | 1,200 | 3 years |
| Elevated community shelters | 780 | 2 years |
| Salt-resistant crops program | 450 | 5 years |
Fisheries Minister Pinipe Viswarup announces: “We’re redesignating 147 villages as high-risk zones with stricter building codes.” New regulations will require:
- Elevated electrical systems
- Concrete-reinforced community kitchens
- Stormwater drainage upgrades
- Underground power lines in coastal towns
Climate Wake-Up Call
Montha’s fury highlights broader environmental concerns:
- Sea levels rising 3.3 mm/year along Andhra coast
- 56% increase in cyclone frequency since 2000
- Mangrove cover reduced by 28% in Godavari delta
- Groundwater salinity increasing in 9 districts
Environmentalist Dr. Haripriya Gundimeda warns: “We’re removing nature’s shock absorbers. Restoring 1 km of mangroves saves ₹27 crore in disaster damage annually.”
Looking Ahead
As Montha’s remnants dissipate over Central India, survivors face daunting questions:
- Will compensation reach affected farmers before sowing season?
- Can infrastructure be rebuilt stronger than before?
- How many more “beautiful flowers” will turn deadly?
For now, coastal communities focus on immediate needs – drying soaked grain, patching leaking roofs, and counting blessings amidst the ruin. As fisherman Raju from Kakinada puts it: “The sea gives, the sea takes. We rebuild, always.”
Stay updated through IMD’s official portal and Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority’s real-time alerts.
