Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday lauded the exceptional team spirit shown by government officials, disaster response teams, and volunteers in mitigating the impact of Cyclone Montha, calling it a shining example of teamwork in governance.

Speaking at the ‘Cyclone Montha Fighters’ felicitation ceremony at his camp office, the Chief Minister presented mementoes and certificates to 137 officers and staff who displayed exemplary service during the cyclone. “Every crisis is an opportunity. This time, through coordination and preparedness, we reduced the damage to life and property significantly. I thank every individual who contributed,” Naidu said.

He announced that the government would compile a Cyclone Response Manual based on the Montha experience to guide future disaster management efforts.

Highlighting the role of technology and innovation, Naidu said the state relied on AI-based prediction models, real-time monitoring systems, and a five-point action plan covering monitoring, alerts, rescue, rehabilitation, and normalcy restoration. The Aware 2.0 system enabled real-time communication of alerts on rainfall and wind intensity.

“By using drones, satellites, and CCTV networks, we managed flood flow efficiently. Even those trapped by rising waters, like 15 people in a prayer hall and a man in the Parchur stream were rescued thanks to quick coordination,” he said. Over 600 drones were deployed, and pre-emptive canal desilting helped prevent major flooding.

Naidu praised NDRF, SDRF, police, and field-level officials for their swift action, crediting the success to a united administrative effort from the Chief Secretary down to village officers. He also announced plans to expand the RTGS-linked public alert system to every village, enabling capital-to-community communication in real time. “This is the true meaning of teamwork and governance with purpose,” Naidu said.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad, Ministers V. Anitha, Kandula Durgesh, Vasamsetti Subhash, Dola Balaveeranjaneya Swamy, Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy, and several MPs, MLAs, and senior officials.