Livestock suffer massive losses as Cyclone Montha batters Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Montha has left a trail of devastation across coastal and southern Andhra Pradesh, claiming livestock and damaging rural assets on a massive scale.

Preliminary reports from the Animal Husbandry Department on Wednesday indicate that more than 200 cattle and poultry deaths occurred across several districts. In view of the losses, the government has announced compensation of ₹50,000 per buffalo, ₹25,000 per calf, and ₹100 per poultry bird for affected farmers.

The losses were reported from Guntur, Krishna, and East and West Godavari districts, where torrential rains and high winds inundated cattle sheds and poultry farms. Veterinary teams have been deployed to affected mandals to provide treatment, fodder, and shelter for surviving animals. District Collectors have been instructed to carry out immediate enumeration and release compensation without delay.

According to district-wise reports, Visakhapatnam recorded the highest rainfall of 187.1 mm, resulting in the loss of four animals and damage to ten cattle sheds. Anakapalli district received 128.4 mm of rainfall, reporting the loss of three animals, 150 poultry birds, and damage to 11 cattle sheds. In Kakinada district, rainfall measured 36.3 mm, where one animal died and 600 ducks were washed away.

East Godavari district recorded 69 mm of rainfall, leading to three animal deaths, while Konaseema received 18.5 mm and reported four animal losses. West Godavari recorded 31.5 mm with two animal deaths, and Eluru district saw 43.5 mm of rainfall with four animal casualties.

In the Krishna delta, Krishna district received 50.8 mm of rain with 28 animal deaths, while Guntur recorded 75.3 mm and reported 55 deaths — the highest in the State. Bapatla and Prakasam districts received 150.3 mm and 184 mm respectively, with Prakasam reporting ten animal deaths and damage to several veterinary buildings.

SPSR Nellore district recorded 180.7 mm of rainfall with three animal deaths, while Srikakulam reported 34 animal deaths after receiving 60.25 mm of rain. Vizianagaram district received 106.47 mm and suffered damage to 53 veterinary buildings, while Tirupati and NTR districts recorded 75.8 mm and 76.43 mm respectively.

Officials said livestock and poultry losses were widespread, particularly in low-lying and riverbank mandals where floodwaters entered animal shelters. The Animal Husbandry and Disaster Management Departments have launched a joint assessment to estimate the full extent of the damage and ensure timely relief for farmers.

Although the cyclone has weakened, residual heavy rains continue over Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. The government has advised farmers to move their animals to higher ground and take necessary precautions until weather conditions normalise.