Proactive Planning Saved Lives: CM Chandrababu Naidu on Cyclone Montha’s Aftermath

Describing Cyclone Montha as one of the fiercest storms to hit Andhra Pradesh in recent years, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said that proactive planning, real-time monitoring, and rapid evacuations helped save lives across the state. He toured the worst-hit districts, including Konaseema, Nellore, and Prakasam, assessing damage to crops and infrastructure and interacting directly with affected families.

Naidu began his visit with an aerial survey before travelling on ground through flooded stretches of Konaseema. At relief camps in Odalarevu and Bendamurulanka, he distributed essential kits of rice, pulses, oil, and vegetables to each family. Setting aside protocol, he walked through waterlogged fields and held discussions with farmers to understand the full scale of crop loss. When farmers complained about drainage blockages caused by weeds, he immediately ordered officials to clear them.

The Chief Minister praised the coordinated response of officials, noting that despite wind speeds of up to 75 kmph, only three fatalities were reported statewide. Over 1.16 lakh people took shelter in 1,209 government-run camps, while 3,175 pregnant women were evacuated safely. Power supply was restored in nearly all areas within 24 hours, and sanitation teams cleared debris and stagnant water in over 380 affected zones to prevent disease outbreaks.

Also Read: Odisha Prepares for Cyclone Montha with 3.7 Crore Tablets and Full Emergency Readiness

Preliminary reports show Cyclone Montha affected 1,434 villages across 249 mandals, impacting around 18 lakh residents. Crop damage spanned nearly 87,000 hectares, with paddy, cotton, maize, and blackgram fields submerged. Infrastructure losses were also significant—Rs 1,424 crore worth of damage to R&B roads alone, along with major hits to irrigation, water supply, and Panchayat Raj assets. Naidu ordered a complete damage report within five days and road restoration by Thursday.

At a review meeting in Amaravati’s Real-Time Governance System (RTGS) centre, Naidu directed officials to maintain zero tolerance for lapses in relief delivery and sanitation. He instructed agricultural scientists to assist farmers in salvaging partially damaged crops and assured that tenant farmers will be included in the compensation framework. Commending the spirit of collective effort, he said the government’s integrated disaster response showcased the “efficiency of preemptive governance” in safeguarding people and livelihoods.

Also Read: Cyclone Montha barrels toward Andhra coast with 100 kmph winds