Cyclone Montha has caused severe agricultural and infrastructure losses across Andhra Pradesh, with total damages estimated at Rs 5,244 crore (US$629 million). According to state authorities, 1.38 lakh hectares of crops have been damaged, affecting more than 1.74 lakh farmers. Crop losses are estimated at Rs 829 crore (US$99 million), while infrastructure damages, including 4,794 kilometres of roads and 311 culverts and bridges, total Rs 2,794 crore (US$335 million).
Relief measures include the distribution of rice, lentils, onions, sugar, and palm oil to residents in affected areas and relief camps. The government has announced financial assistance for families impacted by flooding and compensation for damaged crops.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the government relied on technology-driven real-time monitoring to ensure public safety during the cyclone. Agriculture Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy stated that "every farmer who suffered crop loss would receive full support and compensation from the government."
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over the extent of the destruction and urged authorities to expedite relief. "The destruction caused by Cyclone Montha in Andhra Pradesh has caused immense hardship across many districts. My thoughts are with everyone who has lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. It's heartbreaking to see our farmers, who worked tirelessly for months, lose their entire crop overnight," Gandhi said.
He added that the Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh was assessing damages and called on both the state and central governments to respond promptly. "We urge both the State and Central Governments to act immediately - the scale of devastation demands urgent and compassionate action."
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee Chief YS Sharmila Reddy visited Bantumilli Mandal in Krishna District, where she met affected farmers and called for the situation to be declared a national disaster. "Farmers across the region have lost everything due to the cyclone, which wreaked havoc on thousands of acres of cultivated land," she said.
According to the Congress Party's estimates, crop damage spans 20 to 22 lakh acres (809,000 to 890,000 hectares), with total losses exceeding Rs 20,000 crore (US$2.4 billion). The party reported paddy losses across 13 lakh acres (526,000 hectares), cotton across 3 lakh acres (121,000 hectares), and groundnut and maize together across 4 lakh acres (162,000 hectares).
Reddy criticized the government's official estimate of Rs 800 crore (US$96 million) in crop losses, calling it understated and insufficient. She also urged stronger central government engagement and faster delivery of relief to affected farmers.
Source: ANI News
