Cyclone Montha caused massive destruction across Andhra Pradesh with initial estimates putting the total loss at ₹5,265 crore. According to CBN’s press conference yesterday, Roads and Buildings alone suffered damages worth ₹2,079 crore, while the agriculture sector lost about ₹829 crore. Power and water resources together faced losses of around ₹207 crore.
What stood out was the speed at which the assessment of losses was done with such quick efficiency and response. Within just one day after the cyclone made landfall near Antarvedi, Babu and his team completed a detailed loss assessment through the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS). The system helped the government monitor rainfall, wind speeds and damage through satellite images and real-time data.
Naidu said all departments worked together and appreciated the work done by village secretariats to senior ministers including MLAs and MPs ensuring that everything gets normal and restored in quick time without making any big losses .Earlier it used to take 4–7 days to even start relief work, but this time roads were cleared quickly. He also appreciated the improved management of relief camps, ensuring that vulnerable groups like pregnant women faced no hardships.
It can be noted this was a stark contrast to the slow disaster assessment during Jagan’s tenure where it often took days or even weeks for officials to release reports after cyclones. For instance, after Cyclone Nivar (November 2020), Jagan conducted an aerial survey only on November 28 and sought a detailed report nearly three weeks later (by December 15), with compensation planned only by December 30. Similarly, after Cyclone Michaung (December 2023), though immediate relief orders were issued on December 4, the CM’s field visits and interactions with affected villagers took place only by December 8.
In comparison, Naidu’s proactive review meetings, early warning, and real-time monitoring through RTGS have once again shown how technology and real-time leadership can make a big difference in crisis management. Now that not only loss assessment was done, the report is also being sent to the Centre for getting relief funds back.
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