News in Frames: Many twists in the monsoon’s tale
Andhra Pradesh swung from drought to deluge, with two back-to-back cyclones causing an estimated ₹6,500 cr. in damage and leaving at least 17 dead; crops were flattened and coconut trees uprooted, with farmers in the Godavari belt facing at least two years of recovery
Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a duality of extremes this year, with both drought and deluge impacting the state. In the initial months of the monsoon in June and July, the State declared drought in 388 out of its 688 mandals across 28 districts. However, by the end of October, extremely heavy rainfall had wreaked havoc on many of these mandals, except those in Rayalaseema.
Between October 28 and November 3, the state was hit by two consecutive cyclones, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Arnab' and Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Murasu', resulting in extensive damage and loss of life. These cyclones, with wind speeds reaching 140 kmph and 110 kmph respectively, caused damage worth approximately ₹6,500 crore, left at least 17 people dead, uprooted countless electricity poles, and damaged roads across the state.
Arnab particularly affected Godavari districts and the north coastal region, flattening crops and destroying coconut trees. Visakhapatnam, Eluru and East Godavari districts saw extremely heavy rainfall of around 260 mm. Farmers and fishermen, who are already reeling from the impact, continue to suffer the consequences of these disastrous weather events.
Similar occurrences were witnessed in 2013, 1987, and 1976. Despite the debate over the role of climate change in these weather events, both the affected communities and nature continue to bear the brunt of the disaster.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
