A collective sigh of relief swept across Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts as Cyclone Montha, once a source of apprehension, made a surprisingly mild impact. Residents awoke on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, to the welcome news that the storm had largely spared their communities.
Throughout the cyclonic event, senior officials in both districts meticulously monitored the situation from dedicated control rooms. Their vigilant efforts, coupled with timely preparedness, ensured that not a single human casualty was reported across Vizianagaram, despite the heavy downpour.
While human lives were safeguarded, the prolonged heavy rainfall over the past four days did take a toll on infrastructure. Roads in areas like Vizianagaram, Rajam, Bobbili, and Saluru sustained considerable damage due to persistent waterlogging. Agricultural lands across all 27 mandals of the district also faced inundation, raising concerns about crop losses.
Government data revealed a significant amount of rainfall, with the district recording 52.5 mm between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. This figure starkly contrasts with the mere 2.3 mm recorded during the same period last year, highlighting the intensity of Montha’s precipitation.
In the wake of the storm, Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy and Municipal Commissioner P. Nallanayya, alongside other officials, personally inspected affected areas in Vizianagaram. They issued prompt instructions to local staff for immediate garbage clearance and to ensure unhindered flow in canals and drainage systems, preventing further water-related issues.
Across Srikakulam district, Special Officer K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu and In-charge Collector Farman Ahmed Khan affirmed that the situation remained well under control. This was particularly reassuring given the heavy rainfall experienced along the sensitive coastal stretch from Pydibhimavaram to Ichchapuram, a town bordering Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
With Cyclone Montha’s influence, Srikakulam district registered an astounding 1,890 mm of rainfall, with all 30 mandals experiencing excess precipitation. As a precautionary measure, authorities strongly advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea, anticipating rough weather conditions for the foreseeable future.