AP reports Rs 6,352 crore loss from Cyclone Montha; Lokesh seeks Centre’s relief package

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Anita met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday and submitted a comprehensive report detailing the destruction caused by Cyclone Montha.

Minister Lokesh informed the Union Home Minister that the state has suffered an estimated Rs 6,352 crore in losses after the cyclone made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Of the total Rs 6,356-crore damage estimate, around Rs 902 crore qualifies for immediate relief and temporary restoration under NDRF guidelines.

3,109 villages impacted

During the meeting, the ministers said the cyclone inflicted severe damage across multiple sectors, causing significant hardship to residents in the affected regions. A total of 3,109 villages were impacted.

Minister Lokesh also briefed the Union Minister on the immediate relief measures taken by the state government, which he said helped minimise loss of life and property.

1.92 lakh people rehabilitated

Cyclone Montha crossed the coast near Kakinada on the night of October 28, bringing heavy rainfall and winds reaching 100 kmph, resulting in widespread destruction. Acting swiftly, the State government evacuated 1.92 lakh people to 2,471 relief camps, where essential supplies, including food, drinking water, milk and other necessities were provided.

Each affected family received an immediate relief payment of Rs 3,000.

The State administration undertook urgent measures such as clearing fallen trees, restoring water supply, arranging temporary shelters and addressing critical infrastructure disruptions. An initial emergency relief fund of Rs 60 crore was released.

According to the assessment, sector-wise losses include:

- Agriculture and allied sectors: Rs 271 crore

- Housing damage: Rs 7 crore

- Roads and infrastructure: Rs 4,324 crore

- Power sector: Rs 41 crore

- Water resources and irrigation projects: Rs 369 crore

- Permanent structures: Rs 1,302 crore

- Public assets: Rs 48 crore

Minister Lokesh also noted that a Central Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMCT) had conducted a field inspection on November 12, following the state’s preliminary submissions. The delegation meeting with Amit Shah included several Members of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh.