Kakinada is diligently preparing for the imminent arrival of Cyclone Montha, with 269 rehabilitation centers now operational across various government buildings, schools, and designated cyclone relief points along its coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the cyclone will make landfall in Kakinada on October 28, 2025, as a severe cyclonic storm. Expectations are for its arrival in the evening, bringing with it intense rainfall and wind speeds that could reach up to 100 kilometers per hour.
A significant portion of these preparations includes 59 rehabilitation centers strategically established along the Uppada coast. This area is home to numerous fisherfolk who are particularly susceptible to the dual threats of cyclones and ongoing coastal erosion, making their safety a top priority.
To reinforce the emergency response, Kakinada District Collector S. Shan Mohan has confirmed the deployment of at least 30 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and an additional 50 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). These teams are actively on the ground, ready for relief operations.
P. Narayana, the Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, is personally overseeing the extensive preparedness measures and the meticulous deployment of officials across the entire coastline, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
In a related development, farmers in the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district have been strongly advised against harvesting their paddy crops. This caution comes as heavy rains and strong winds are forecast for the next two days, posing a significant risk to agricultural produce.