Heavy rains and powerful winds triggered by Cyclone Montha have caused significant damage across coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Machilipatnam and surrounding areas. The cyclone, which made landfall along the eastern coast, uprooted trees and electricity poles, disrupted transportation, and caused temporary power outages in several parts of the Krishna district.
Local authorities reported that strong winds lashed Machilipatnam town and nearby coastal villages through the night, resulting in extensive damage to power lines, roads, and infrastructure. Several houses and shops suffered partial damage due to falling trees and debris carried by high-speed winds. Officials confirmed that there were no reports of major casualties, but property and agricultural losses are being assessed.
Teams from the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Response and Fire Services Department have been deployed to clear fallen trees and restore traffic in affected areas such as Epurupalem, Vetapalem, and Machilipatnam. Police personnel were also seen assisting in removing obstructions from main roads to ensure the movement of emergency vehicles.
Electricity Department officials have begun repair work on damaged transmission lines, prioritizing restoration of power supply to hospitals, water pumping stations, and other essential facilities. Efforts are also underway to drain water from low-lying areas affected by heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued warnings for heavy rainfall and gusty winds in coastal districts, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid venturing out during the peak hours of the cyclone. Fishermen were advised to stay away from the sea, and ports were instructed to suspend operations temporarily until weather conditions improve.
Machilipatnam, one of the most affected regions, witnessed continuous rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of over 80 kilometers per hour. Local residents reported that several roads were blocked by fallen trees, disrupting vehicular movement for several hours. Restoration work began immediately after the winds subsided on Wednesday morning.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office stated that district collectors and disaster management authorities have been directed to stay alert and coordinate relief efforts. Control rooms have been set up to monitor the situation and provide timely updates to citizens. Temporary shelters have been arranged for people living in vulnerable coastal areas.
Agricultural fields near the coastline, particularly paddy and banana plantations, have sustained damage due to strong winds and flooding. The state government has assured that compensation assessments will be conducted after field inspections are completed.
Meanwhile, weather officials said Cyclone Montha is expected to weaken into a deep depression as it moves inland, bringing moderate to heavy rains to interior regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Authorities continue to advise caution in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
As of now, power restoration and road clearance operations are progressing steadily. No major injuries have been reported, and emergency response teams remain stationed in key locations to address any further contingencies.
