NEW DELHI (AP) – Cyclone Montha weakened on Wednesday after making landfall on India's eastern coast, unleashing torrential rains and strong winds that led to significant disruption in southern Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Odisha state. Relief teams have mobilized to restore power and clear debris resulting from the storm's impact.
The cyclone made landfall with sustained winds reaching 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) late Tuesday night, primarily affecting the port city of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. The storm uprooted trees, damaged roads, and flooded low-lying villages. As the storm moved inland, its intensity diminished, and by early Wednesday morning, its sustained winds had decreased to 83 kilometers per hour (52 mph).
Named after a fragrant flower by Thailand, Cyclone Montha produced a storm surge of approximately 10 feet (3 meters) in Kakinada and surrounding areas. While local authorities have not confirmed any fatalities linked to the storm, reports indicate that a woman lost her life when a tree fell on her home.
Forecasts predict moderate to heavy rainfall across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh states until Thursday. Tens of thousands of residents from low-lying areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha evacuated to relief camps beforehand in anticipation of the cyclone's arrival.
In recent years, India’s disaster management agencies have made strides in improving preparations for tropical cyclones, implementing effective evacuation plans and early warning systems. Despite this, India's eastern coasts have historically been prone to such storms. Notably, the deadliest cyclone season in recent history occurred in 2023, resulting in 523 fatalities and an estimated $2.5 billion in damages.
Climate scientists have pointed out that severe storms are becoming more frequent in South Asia. The increase in global warming, driven by greenhouse gases, is attributed to the rising intensity and unpredictability of these extreme weather events. As a result, disaster preparedness and resilience become increasingly critical for communities in vulnerable areas.
