Cyclone Montha: A Costly Storm for India's Eastern Coast
Cyclone Montha recently struck India's eastern coast, causing significant damage. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, flooding farms, roads, and buildings in Andhra Pradesh.
Extensive Damage and Losses
- Total damage estimated: Nearly 53 billion rupees ($603 million)
- Farm sector hit hardest: Losses around 8.68 billion rupees
- Animal casualties: 120 animals killed
- No human deaths reported
Impact on Neighboring Telangana
The cyclone also affected Telangana, where residents had to wade through knee-deep water, carrying belongings to safety. Rescue workers were actively helping people move to safer areas.
Cyclone Weakening Soon
The good news is that the cyclone is expected to weaken soon, reducing the immediate threat.
Historical Context and Preparedness
Cyclones are common in India between April and December. One of the worst was the 1999 super cyclone in Odisha, which killed nearly 10,000 people. This serves as a reminder of the power of these storms and the importance of preparedness and strong infrastructure to handle such natural disasters.