How Much Did Cyclone Montha Cost Andhra Pradesh?
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Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh's ministers seek urgent support from the Centre after cyclone Montha resulted in massive losses amounting to Rs 6,352 crore. The government is urging immediate relief for the affected sectors, as assessments reveal widespread devastation across agriculture and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh ministers requested Rs 6,352 crore in aid.
- Cyclone Montha caused significant damage across multiple sectors.
- Over 3,100 villages were directly affected.
- Immediate relief measures included cash payments to families.
- Long-term impacts on agriculture and infrastructure are expected.
Amaravati/New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Andhra Pradesh ministers Nara Lokesh and V. Anitha convened with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday to request assistance from the Centre following the devastating impact of cyclone Montha, which resulted in losses amounting to Rs 6,352 crore.
The discussions involved a detailed presentation of the extensive destruction inflicted by Cyclone Montha in October, with both ministers separately addressing the Union ministers in New Delhi.
During the meeting, Lokesh conveyed to Shah that the cyclone's landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coastline led to a staggering estimated loss of Rs 6,352 crore.
The ministers highlighted the severe impact across multiple sectors, exacerbating the suffering of residents in the affected areas. In total, 3,109 villages were adversely affected.
The assessment indicated that agriculture and related sectors faced losses of Rs 271 crore, roads and infrastructure Rs 4,324 crore, permanent structures Rs 1,302 crore, water resources and irrigation projects Rs 369 crore, public assets Rs 48 crore, the power sector Rs 41 crore, and housing Rs 7 crore.
Shah was informed that approximately Rs 902 crore of the total damage estimate is eligible for immediate relief and temporary restoration as per NDRF guidelines.
Furthermore, Lokesh pointed out that a Central Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMCT) had carried out a field inspection on November 12, following the state's initial reports.
Cyclone Montha made landfall near Kakinada during the night of October 28, unleashing heavy rainfall and wind speeds of up to 100 kmph, which led to widespread devastation. In a proactive response, the state government evacuated 1.92 lakh individuals to 2,471 relief camps, providing essential supplies such as food, drinking water, milk, and other necessities. Each affected family received an immediate relief payment of Rs 3,000.
The state administration took urgent actions including clearing fallen trees, restoring water supply, organizing temporary shelters, and addressing critical infrastructure disruptions. An emergency relief fund of Rs 60 crore was released for initial assistance.
The ministers also briefed Agriculture Minister Chouhan regarding the severe agricultural devastation caused by the cyclone.
The ministers recounted that the cyclone, which struck on October 28 and 29, brought fierce winds, torrential rains, and flooding that greatly impacted villages, farmlands, and rural livelihoods across the state.
The preliminary assessment from the state indicated that 3,109 villages across 443 mandals in 24 districts were affected, with nearly 9.53 lakh individuals facing various levels of disruption. The combination of submerged farmlands, overflowing rivers, and high tidal activity resulted in widespread destruction of agricultural assets, civic infrastructure, and public services.
Lokesh informed the Union Minister that ongoing rainfall and prolonged waterlogging in coastal and delta regions caused significant damage to standing crops. Approximately 1.61 lakh hectares of agricultural land, including paddy, maize, cotton, groundnut, red gram, and various millets, were affected.
It is estimated that 3.27 lakh farmers have been impacted, with total crop losses estimated at 4.36 lakh metric tonnes.
Besides crop losses, critical agricultural infrastructure such as tanks, canals, and bund roads sustained substantial damage, disrupting irrigation and access to farmlands.
The ministers also updated the Union Minister on the adverse effects on the horticulture sector, with around 6,250 hectares, representing over 33 percent of the horticulture area, under banana, papaya, coconut, turmeric, chillies, vegetables, flowers, and other crops experiencing severe damage.
The support structures in plantations collapsed due to the storm's impact, posing long-term livelihood challenges for farmers. Related infrastructure, including nurseries, shade nets, farm ponds, storage units, and minor irrigation systems, also suffered significant damage.
Point of View
The devastation caused by Cyclone Montha highlights the urgent need for coordinated disaster response efforts. The scale of loss, impacting over three thousand villages, underscores the importance of a robust support system for affected regions. As the nation rallies to assist those in need, it is essential to ensure that relief measures are swiftly implemented to aid recovery.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the total losses incurred due to Cyclone Montha?
The total losses incurred due to Cyclone Montha are estimated at Rs 6,352 crore.
How many villages were affected by the cyclone?
A total of 3,109 villages were impacted by Cyclone Montha.
What sectors suffered the most damage?
The most affected sectors include roads and infrastructure, agriculture, and permanent structures.
What immediate relief measures were taken?
Immediate relief payments of Rs 3,000 were provided to each affected family, and an emergency relief fund of Rs 60 crore was released.
How many farmers were impacted by the cyclone?
An estimated 3.27 lakh farmers were affected by Cyclone Montha.
