Cyclone Montha Hits Andhra Coast: Kakinada Devastated, Odisha Braces for Fallout

Kakinada, Oct 28 — Cyclone Montha made a dramatic landfall along the Andhra coast late Tuesday evening, battering Kakinada with wind speeds reaching up to 100 km/h and triggering torrential rains. The storm, which surged in from the Bay of Bengal between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, left a trail of destruction across coastal Andhra and southern Odisha.

Andhra Pradesh: Ground Zero

The Indian Meteorological Department confirmed Montha’s landfall trajectory, with Kakinada bearing the brunt. Violent waves and storm surges disrupted marine operations, while thousands of fishermen and coastal residents were evacuated to 59 designated cyclone shelters. Over 128 rescue teams, including NDRF and SDRF units, were deployed across eight high-risk districts. Local administration, led by the district collector, monitored operations from ground zero.

Odisha: Pre-Landfall Havoc

Though Montha’s landfall occurred in Andhra, its early impact was felt across southern Odisha. Districts like Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, and Malkangiri witnessed landslides, uprooted trees, and blocked roads. In Gajapati, massive boulders crashed onto highways, while floodwaters inundated low-lying areas. The Bahuda river swelled dangerously after dam gates were opened in anticipation of heavy rainfall.

Infrastructure & Livelihoods Hit

Fishing boats, homes, and public infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Power poles collapsed, and transport was disrupted due to landslides and waterlogging. Emergency teams worked round-the-clock to clear debris and restore connectivity.

Outlook

With Montha now moving inland, authorities remain on high alert for further rainfall and potential flooding. Restoration efforts are underway, but the full extent of damage will unfold in the coming days.