metro india news  I amaravati

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday revealed that the preliminary damage assessment from Cyclone Montha stands at ₹5,265 crore, covering massive losses to agriculture, roads, fisheries, and horticulture sectors. The CM said a comprehensive report on the full-scale damage will be finalized and sent to the Central government shortly.

Naidu credited the rapid coordination and the state’s robust information technology systems for the swift response. “We have established a strong IT infrastructure within 16 months. Not a single area had stagnant water, all of it was channelled into drains. Through drones and CCTV surveillance, we identified and cleared waterlogged areas immediately,” he said, highlighting the efficiency of real-time monitoring.

The Chief Minister applauded the Real-Time Governance System (RTGS) team led by Katamneni Bhaskar, calling their work “commendable and exemplary.” He said ministers including Lokesh and Anitha supervised operations continuously, while officials on the ground worked round the clock to reduce the storm’s impact. “Earlier, it used to take days to remove fallen trees; now, it’s done in hours. That’s the difference technology and dedication make,” Naidu remarked.

The CM said the worst-hit districts were Bapatla, Prakasam, and Palnadu, where heavy rains and winds caused severe infrastructure and agricultural damage. He confirmed no human casualties, though 120 cattle deaths were reported. “We cannot prevent natural disasters, but we can prevent the loss of lives. Every possible measure was taken to safeguard people,” Naidu stated.

Naidu said the irrigation sector suffered less damage this time due to better preparedness, unlike during the previous government’s tenure. “Back then, even dams were washed away. Now, there are no reports of project gate failures; our vigilance paid off,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister highlighted that power supply was restored within three hours in most areas, compared to 10 hours in previous years. He attributed this to proactive planning and inter-departmental coordination. “We anticipated the cyclone’s course using satellite imagery, and that helped us reduce losses,” he explained.

Naidu expressed anger over fake posts circulating online during the crisis, accusing mischief-makers of spreading panic. “While the government was using technology to save lives, some people were spreading misinformation. It’s unfortunate that they dislike even effective governance,” he said.

The Chief Minister concluded by appreciating coalition MLAs, MPs, and field officials for reassuring citizens and maintaining calm amid the crisis. “This is the result of teamwork, technology, and accountability,” Naidu said, underscoring his government’s goal of transforming disaster response into a model of efficiency and resilience.