Cyclone Montha, which recently wreaked havoc along India’s eastern coastline, has begun to weaken, according to the latest updates from the Indian Meteorological Department. The storm, which made landfall near the port city of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh late Tuesday night, brought torrential rains and gusty winds, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and causing significant flooding in low-lying areas. Initial reports indicated sustained winds of up to 100 kph (62 mph), though these have since diminished to 83 kph (52 mph) as the storm moved inland. The cyclone, named by Thailand after a fragrant flower, also triggered a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) in Kakinada and surrounding regions. While authorities have yet to confirm any fatalities, local media reported one death caused by a fallen tree. Tens of thousands of residents from vulnerable areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha had been evacuated to relief camps prior to the storm’s arrival, showcasing India’s improved disaster preparedness in recent years. Moderate to heavy rains are expected to persist in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh until Thursday. India’s eastern coast has historically been prone to cyclones, but climate scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of such storms are increasing due to global warming, posing greater risks to the region.