Ajay Jain, the Special Chief Secretary appointed to oversee Cyclone Montha operations in Andhra Pradesh, convened a crucial meeting with district officials at the Collectorate on Monday, October 27, 2025. The purpose was to review Visakhapatnam’s readiness for the impending cyclone.
Mr. Jain is no stranger to such crises, having previously accompanied then Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu during the severe cyclonic storm Hudhud, which made landfall in the city in October 2014. His experience from that event is now guiding the current preparedness efforts.
Speaking on the preparations, Mr. Jain stated, “We are implementing all possible preparedness measures, drawing lessons from our experiences during Cyclone Hudhud in October 2014. We are optimistic that any potential losses from Cyclone Montha will be minimal, especially as it is expected to cross near Kakinada, and thanks to the effective readiness of the State government under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership.”
During the review, Mr. Jain inquired about the ground situation in areas potentially affected by the cyclone. He issued directives for officials to commence evacuating residents from hilly regions and instructed revenue personnel to patrol coastal areas, advising them to prevent public access to beaches.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of ensuring essential commodities are readily available, including water, milk, and fuel. Officials were also instructed to mobilize as many earthmovers, cutting machines, generators, chainsaws, and emergency lights as possible, and to set up adequate facilities in temporary shelters.
“We have instructed officials to stockpile sufficient quantities of food and water to supply both shelter homes and the general public, should the need arise,” Mr. Jain added.