Andhra Pradesh reeled under the impact of Severe Cyclonic Storm <a title="Andhra Pradesh Montha" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/environment/cyclone-montha-to-hit-andhra-coast-today/21485" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montha</a> late on Tuesday night, as the system made landfall along the coastal belt between Machilipatnam and Kakinada. Torrential rain, strong winds and tidal surges wreaked havoc across several districts, killing one person and crippling power and transport infrastructure.
<h3 data-start="870" data-end="903">Landfall and IMD Update</h3>
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha crossed the coast with maximum sustained winds of 90&ndash;100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h. The storm&rsquo;s eye moved inland over the Konaseema and Diviseema deltas, gradually weakening through Wednesday morning. IMD Doppler radar data at Machilipatnam early Wednesday recorded wind speeds between 60&ndash;95 km/h, confirming the system&rsquo;s reduction in intensity.
The department forecast continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra and parts of Rayalaseema until Wednesday, with isolated downpours exceeding 200 mm. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for at least five days due to rough conditions in the Bay of Bengal.
<h3 data-start="1646" data-end="1689">Trail of Damage in Andhra Pradesh</h3>
The impact has been severe in several districts &mdash; including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Nellore, Konaseema, and Kakinada &mdash; where gale-force winds and heavy rain caused extensive flooding and power failure.
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A woman was killed in Makanagudem village, Konaseema district, when an uprooted palmyra tree fell on her.
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High tidal waves, nearly a metre above normal astronomical tide, inundated low-lying coastal villages and eroded beaches.
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The Uppada&ndash;Kakinada coastal road sustained heavy damage and remains closed for traffic.
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Power infrastructure suffered large-scale destruction, with substations, transformers and electrical lines crippled. Initial estimates suggest damages running into thousands of crores.
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Agricultural losses are mounting &mdash; over 43,000 hectares of standing paddy and cotton crops are reportedly submerged, affecting more than 80,000 farmers across 1,700-plus villages.
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Nearly 35,000 people were evacuated ahead of landfall as a precautionary measure and shifted to safer shelters.
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Ports were placed on high alert: the Great Danger Signal 10 was hoisted at Kakinada Port, while Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kalingapatnam, and Bheemunipatnam ports hoisted Signal 9, indicating maximum threat from a severe cyclonic storm.
ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/environment/odisha-s-coastal-shield-ready-for-montha/21369
<h3 data-start="3046" data-end="3089">Transport and Services Disruption</h3>
Severe weather led to widespread transport disruptions. Indian Railways reported the cancellation of over 120 trains, with several others rescheduled or diverted, especially on the Visakhapatnam&ndash;Vijayawada corridor. Long-distance services from Bengaluru, Chennai and Secunderabad towards Howrah and Assam were also affected.
Bus services in the coastal districts were suspended during the night hours, while emergency crews remained on standby with rescue and relief materials.
<h3 data-start="3586" data-end="3616">Impact Beyond Andhra</h3>
Neighbouring Odisha experienced moderate rain and gusty winds in at least 15 districts, though the impact was far less severe. Minor tree falls and localised flooding were reported in Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Officials said early evacuation, suspension of fishing activity and pre-positioning of disaster response teams helped avert greater damage.
<h3 data-start="3987" data-end="4038">IMD Rainfall Log (as of 08:30 am, 29 Oct)</h3>
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Kavali: 230 mm
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Ulavapadu: 177 mm
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Dagadarthi: 184 mm
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Chirala: 150 mm
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Nellore: 110 mm
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CS Puram: 104 mm
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<h3 data-start="4189" data-end="4218">Relief and Recovery</h3>
State disaster management teams have begun clearing roads and restoring power supply in coastal mandals. Damage assessments are under way to estimate agricultural losses and infrastructure repair costs. Relief camps continue to shelter evacuees until floodwaters recede and power supply is restored.
<h3 data-start="4522" data-end="4545">Looking Ahead</h3>
Cyclone Montha underscores the increasing vulnerability of India&rsquo;s east coast to severe post-monsoon cyclones. The combination of high tides, storm surge and intense rainfall has exposed the fragility of coastal infrastructure and agriculture in the region. IMD has urged continued vigilance as residual moisture could trigger further rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Tidal waves hit Andhra coast before landfall

Severe storm batters Andhra Pradesh, triggers floods and major power outages

Cyclone Montha slams Andhra coast, one dead

Severe storm batters Andhra Pradesh, triggers floods and major power outages

October 29, 2025 | 05:35 IST