Proactive Measures Minimized Cyclone Impact: Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh CM reviews relief operations as Cyclone Montha weakens; two deaths reported, restoration in full swing
- Cyclone Montha weakens into deep depression after landfall in Andhra Pradesh.
- CM Naidu reports two deaths, praises proactive disaster management.
- Over 10,000 personnel deployed to restore power and road connectivity.
- Relief camps provide food and ₹3,000 aid to affected families.
GG News Bureau
Amaravati, 30th Oct: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said two people lost their lives after Cyclone Montha made landfall in the state. The severe cyclonic storm weakened into a deep depression after moving inland toward Telangana, allowing state authorities to shift focus from emergency response to large-scale relief and restoration.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Naidu instructed officials to maintain relief efforts on a war footing for the next two days to ensure maximum assistance. “If we work in the same way for another two days, we can give much relief to people. Two people have died due to the cyclone,” he said, adding that proactive preparedness had minimized casualties.
Naidu also directed ministers and district officials to visit flood-affected areas, assess the damage, and expedite reports to the Centre. The state government has mobilized extensive aid, distributing essential commodities and financial support to affected families.
Substantial progress has been reported in restoring essential services, particularly in the worst-hit coastal districts. In Konaseema, nearly 300 electric poles and 54 substations were damaged; restoration work is now 80% complete. Over 10,000 personnel have been deployed across the state to repair power infrastructure.
Debris clearance along key roads has enabled the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) to resume 100% of its services. Traffic on National Highway 16 has also been restored. Preliminary estimates suggest significant agricultural losses, with standing crops across 38,000 hectares and horticultural crops in 1.38 lakh hectares damaged.
The state has announced ₹3,000 in financial aid per affected family, along with 25 kg of rice, pulses, cooking oil, and sugar. Fishermen and weavers will receive 50 kg of rice.
Meanwhile, the Srisailam Mahakshetra pilgrimage site in Nandyal district suffered damage due to heavy rainfall and landslides. A major landslide near the Patalaganga steps destroyed three local shops, though no casualties were reported. Authorities have urged the public to avoid travel to Srisailam as the Red Warning for extreme rainfall remains in effect.
