Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Montha makes landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
- 43,000 hectares of crops damaged, affecting 83,000 farmers
- 35,000 people evacuated; 401 relief camps established
- Power sector losses estimated at ₹2,200 crore
- 20 trains and 32 flights cancelled due to severe weather
Severe cyclonic storm Montha began its landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025. The India Meteorological Department confirmed the landfall process would continue for three to four hours, bringing destructive winds and torrential rains to coastal regions.
The storm triggered extremely heavy rainfall across the state, particularly affecting SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts. Ulavapadu recorded the highest rainfall at 167 mm, followed by Kavali (162.75 mm) and Dagadarthi (147.5 mm).
Widespread Crop Damage
Initial assessments reveal extensive agricultural damage with crops submerged across 43,000 hectares. Approximately 83,000 farmers have been affected, with paddy and cotton plantations suffering the most severe impact.
The power sector has incurred massive losses exceeding ₹2,200 crore due to damage to substations, transformers, poles, and transmission lines.
Mass Evacuation and Relief Efforts
Authorities have evacuated at least 35,000 people to safety with 401 relief camps operational in Kakinada district. District Collector S. Shan Mohan stated evacuation numbers are expected to increase as 67 villages, five towns, and Kakinada city fall within the cyclone’s path.
“The number of people to be evacuated is expected to rise as 67 villages and five towns and Kakinada city are falling in the cyclone-affected area,” said Kakinada District Collector S. Shan Mohan.
Nearly 1,600 school buses have been deployed for evacuation operations, while religious buildings are being utilized as rehabilitation centers.
Transport Disruptions
The severe weather conditions forced cancellation of 20 train services, including 10 originating from Visakhapatnam. Air travel suffered major disruptions with 32 flights cancelled from Visakhapatnam airport alone.
Vijayawada airport cancelled 16 flights, while Tirupati saw four flight cancellations. Airport director N. Purushottam indicated normal operations would resume on Wednesday except for the cancelled IndiGo flight between Vijayawada and Vizag.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams in Kakinada and emphasized comprehensive preparedness with emergency machinery and communication systems.
