Andhra Pradesh on High Alert Ahead of Cyclone Montha, Heavy Rains Expected
Andhra Pradesh Cyclone Montha alert: The state government has placed all coastal districts on high alert as Cyclone Montha, forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rains with strong winds between October 27 and 29.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, moving northwestward and influencing weather conditions across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
Cyclone Montha: IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall and Wind Warning
The IMD bulletin warned that coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience wind speeds of 70–90 km/h, accompanied by torrential rainfall in multiple districts including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, Krishna, and Nellore.
The sea condition is expected to become very rough to high, posing a significant risk to fishermen and port operations. Authorities have urged fishermen not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Inland districts such as Guntur, Prakasam, and Kurnool are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall during the cyclone’s landfall phase.
Government Steps Up Preparedness
To prevent loss of life and property, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has activated control rooms across all vulnerable districts.
State Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reviewed the preparedness at a high-level meeting in Tadepalli on Friday. She directed all departments to remain vigilant, shift residents from low-lying areas, and ensure the safety of fishermen and coastal communities.
“The government is fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation. All line departments — revenue, police, fire, health, and electricity — have been instructed to stay on high alert,” she said.
Senior IAS Officers Deployed as Special Officers
In an effort to ensure seamless coordination, the state government has appointed senior IAS officers as Special Officers for all coastal and adjoining districts. These officers have been directed to immediately reach their respective areas, set up Cyclone Control Rooms, and oversee rescue and relief operations.
They will coordinate with District Collectors, monitor restoration work, and supervise damage assessment and compensation distribution once the cyclone passes.
Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad has instructed departments to maintain constant communication with the IMD and ensure that all emergency shelters and relief camps are ready with food, drinking water, and medical supplies.
Schools Closed in Several Districts
Given the severity of the forecast, several district administrations — including Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and Krishna — have declared three-day holidays for schools beginning Saturday.
Officials said school buildings and community halls are being prepared to serve as temporary shelters for displaced residents. The Electricity Department has also been asked to pre-position teams to handle power restoration immediately after the cyclone.
Coastal Vigilance and Evacuation Plans
Fishermen along the coast have been advised to secure their boats and stay away from the shore. The Marine Police and Coastal Security teams are conducting awareness drives in villages to alert residents about possible tidal surges and heavy rainfall.
Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been placed on standby in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Machilipatnam.
Boats, life jackets, inflatable rafts, and medical kits have been stocked at designated points. The Health Department has directed all hospitals to maintain emergency wards and adequate supplies of essential medicines.
Electricity, Transport, and Relief Readiness
The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company (APSPDCL) and Eastern Power Distribution Company (APEPDCL) have activated 24/7 helplines for reporting power outages. Engineers and linemen are being deployed in rotation to handle breakdowns caused by falling trees or damaged transformers.
The Transport Department has suspended bus services in cyclone-prone areas and issued advisories to private operators to avoid travel during the peak weather period.
Relief materials, including tarpaulins, dry rations, candles, and first-aid kits, are being moved to district warehouses for immediate distribution.
CM Chandrababu Naidu Reviews Situation
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the situation from the State Secretariat. In a statement, he urged citizens to stay calm, avoid rumours, and follow official updates.
“The government’s priority is the safety of every individual. District administrations have been instructed to ensure zero casualties and swift relief once the cyclone crosses the coast,” he said.
The Chief Minister will hold a video conference with collectors and special officers later tonight to review field-level arrangements.
