Mon Oct 27 13:47:39 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Cyclone Montha is impacting the Rayalaseema districts of Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai in India. While the region experienced patchy drizzle and cloudy skies, the cumulative effect of recent heavy rains is already visible, with damaged roads and threats to crops. Officials are monitoring reservoirs and rivers, and temporary road repairs are underway. Horticulture crops, groundnut crops, banana and papaya plantations remain vulnerable.

News Article:

Cyclone Montha Batters Rayalaseema, Roads Crumble and Crops at Risk

CHITTOOR/RAJAMPETA, October 27, 2025 (The Hindu) – The Rayalaseema districts of Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai are on high alert as Cyclone Montha’s impact intensifies. While the cyclone’s direct hit has been averted, the region is grappling with the aftermath of days of incessant rainfall.

Though Monday brought only patchy drizzle and cloudy skies, the cumulative impact of the past week’s downpour is taking a toll. District officials are particularly concerned about damage to infrastructure, especially roads, and the vulnerability of crucial agricultural crops.

Chittoor district received 41 mm of rain, a significant drop from Sunday’s deluge of 573 mm. Similar figures were reported in Rajampeta division of Annamayya district (around 40 mm) and Sri Sathya Sai district (around 8.4 mm). However, authorities warn that inclement weather is expected to continue as Montha’s outer circulation moves inland.

District Collector Sumit Kumar, along with other high-ranking officials, toured low-lying villages in the Gangadhara Nellore Assembly constituency, assessing the situation firsthand. Irrigation officials have been instructed to closely monitor the Krishnapuram reservoir and the Neeva river to prevent potential flooding. The NTR Jalayasam near Chittoor has also seen increased inflows following heavy rains in the Irala and Puthalapattu mandals.

The already deteriorating road conditions between Renigunta and Rajampeta have worsened considerably. Rainwater cascading from the Seshachalam hills has flooded stretches in the Railway Kodur mandal, creating large potholes and severely disrupting vehicular movement. While repair work was scheduled for completion this month, the recent weather has delayed progress. Temporary restoration efforts are currently underway, according to officials.

The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable. Horticulture crops in Annamayya, groundnut crops in Chittoor, and the Sri Sathya Sai districts are at risk from the continued rains. A horticulture official stated that the current absence of strong winds offers a small reprieve for farmers in Rajampeta division, as high winds would be devastating to banana and papaya plantations.

The situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities.

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