Hyderabad: The intensity of Cyclone Montha, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening, has subsided considerably.
Two persons lost their lives in Andhra, one each on Tuesday and Wednesday, and there were widespread power and transportation disruptions in several districts. However, the overall damage in the state was less than what was expected, considering that the highest alert of great danger signal 10 was hoisted at the Andhra port of Kakinada.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu informed on Wednesday that 2 persons lost their lives due to the severe cyclonic storm and noted that precautionary measures had “minimised the loss.”
Naidu directed the entire state machinery to keep up their efforts for two more days to provide relief to cyclone-affected people.
“If we work in the same way for another two days, we can give much relief to people. Due to the cyclone, two persons died,” Naidu said in a release.
Urging everyone concerned to restore normalcy at the earliest, the CM instructed ministers and senior officials to visit affected areas, address people’s grievances and ensure distribution of essential supplies to affected families.
Naidu asked all departments to assess the damage caused by the cyclone so that details can be given to the Union government.
The state’s Agriculture minister K Atchannaidu said although the intensity of the cyclonic storm has reduced, power and transportation disruptions persist in several affected districts in the state.
Over 300 electric poles were uprooted in Konaseema district, of which 80 per cent of restoration work has been completed.
Following CM Naidu’s directions, power restoration to every household is being accelerated, said Atchannaidu.
The CM appreciated the efforts of SDRF, police and fire service personnel in clearing uprooted trees and snapped power lines “on a war footing.”
