Heavy rains and gusty winds lashed Machilipatnam’s Chilakalapudi village in Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Montha made its impact felt along the state’s coastline. The severe weather, which began late Tuesday night, continued into Wednesday morning, leading to widespread waterlogging, damage to infrastructure, and disruption of normal life in the area.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha intensified over the Bay of Bengal before crossing the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds exceeding 80 kilometers per hour. Chilakalapudi, a fishing and residential village near Machilipatnam town, was among the worst affected areas, with several houses and shops reporting partial damage due to falling trees and debris.
Local authorities confirmed that several electricity poles were uprooted, resulting in temporary power outages in parts of Machilipatnam and nearby villages. Restoration work began early in the morning, with electricity and disaster management teams working continuously to repair damaged lines and restore essential supplies.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) and police personnel have been deployed to clear roads blocked by fallen trees and to ensure smooth traffic movement. Relief teams have also been assisting residents in low-lying areas where rainwater has accumulated. Local fishermen were advised to stay away from the sea, and port operations have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.
The Krishna district administration stated that temporary shelters have been set up in government schools and community halls for residents from flood-prone zones. Food, drinking water, and medical aid are being provided to affected families. Officials added that assessment of crop and property damage is underway, with special attention given to agricultural fields that suffered inundation.
Chilakalapudi and surrounding coastal belts depend heavily on fishing and agriculture, both of which have been severely affected by the cyclone. Fishermen’s boats anchored along the coast were secured in advance following early cyclone warnings. Despite heavy rainfall, there were no reports of casualties, thanks to timely evacuation efforts by local authorities.
The IMD has predicted that Cyclone Montha will gradually weaken into a depression as it moves inland, but heavy rainfall is expected to continue in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, including Machilipatnam, Gudivada, and Bhimavaram. The state government has urged citizens to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office has directed district collectors to coordinate relief operations efficiently and ensure quick restoration of public utilities. Emergency helpline numbers have been activated for people seeking assistance. The situation remains under close monitoring as restoration and cleanup efforts progress across affected regions.
While the cyclone has now weakened, its aftermath continues to affect normal life in Machilipatnam. Roads, electricity, and drainage systems are gradually being restored, and authorities expect full normalization within the next two days if weather conditions remain stable.
