Nara Lokesh Directs Officials to Intensify Relief Efforts Amid Cyclone Montha Impact

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education and IT, Nara Lokesh, held an emergency teleconference from the Secretariat with district Collectors of regions affected by Cyclone Montha to review the ongoing relief and restoration operations. The meeting was also attended by Home Minister Anitha, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, and RTG Secretary Katamneni Bhaskar. Lokesh urged officials to remain vigilant and proactive over the next 48 hours, as heavy rains continue to lash several parts of the state.

He directed the Fire Services Department to immediately clear debris, fallen trees, and mud from major roads to restore smooth transportation. Stressing on quick recovery, Lokesh instructed power department officials to ensure 100 percent restoration of electricity supply to households and businesses in cyclone-hit areas at the earliest.

The Minister also asked agriculture and revenue officials to assess the extent of damage to crops and prepare detailed loss reports. He highlighted the need to take precautionary steps to protect partially damaged crops and minimize further losses. Lokesh further directed authorities to keep a close watch on vulnerable infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, ponds, tanks, and canal bunds, to prevent breaches or erosion.

Public health was another major focus of the review. Lokesh emphasized preventing the spread of waterborne and infectious diseases in flood-affected zones, ensuring availability of anti-venom medicines for snakebite cases, and maintaining sanitation and clean drinking water supply. He also ordered that essential supplies be distributed promptly to fishermen and families in severely affected coastal areas.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, Lokesh assured that the administration would work round the clock to restore normalcy and provide timely relief to all those impacted by Cyclone Montha.