Preparedness reduced casualties: Andhra CM Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday said two people died due to Cyclone Montha, though precautionary measures minimised the human casualties. Naidu conducted an aerial visit in the afternoon to take stock of the situation and met those who have relocated to relief centres and assured them of government support.

However, the damage to property, road infrastructure, and crops was extensive as the Naidu administration began estimating the losses.

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Chief Minister Naidu inspected the areas affected by Cyclone Montha and flew over the Baptala, Palnadu, Krishna, Konaseema, and Eluru districts in the state. He extensively travelled to areas like Chilakaluripet, Parchu Cheerala, Konduru Nagayalanka, and up to Odalarevu in the Konaseema district. He then travelled by road from Odalarevu and inspected the submerged crop in the fields.

“It is a big devastation. Preparedness and timely action helped reduce Cyclone Montha casualties,” said the Chief Minister after his tour. He added his administration had been able to reduce casualties, house damages and even cattle losses. Later at the Secretariat, he held a review meeting with officials to estimate the losses suffered by the state.

According to the state government, Cyclone Montha affected 18 lakh people in 249 mandals, 1,434 villages, and 48 municipalities in the state. Crops have been damaged in 87 thousand hectares, and a total of 78,796 farmers have been affected. Losses due to damaged roads, culverts and bridges have been pegged at Rs 1,424 crore. Nearly 400 trees were uprooted, but these have been removed by the administration. Water was still flowing over 297 roads, and efforts were made to pump out the accumulated floodwaters. State minister Nara Lokesh instructed the power department to ensure 100 per cent restoration of electricity. In places like Macchilipatnam, power was switched off as a precautionary measure before Cyclone Montha made landfall last night.