Cyclone Montha Impact: Coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu are under a red alert due to the impending landfall of Cyclone Montha, which is currently over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast significant rainfall for Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region between October 28 and 30.
In response to the developing situation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has initiated immediate measures to ensure the safety of residents in coastal areas, including evacuations to safer locations. Special officers have been appointed to oversee relief centers, with a focus on preventing contamination of drinking water sources.
States on High Alert
Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region, along with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, are on orange alert for heavy rains. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are also facing warnings for strong winds.
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Montha is likely to strengthen into a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening of October 28. Authorities anticipate wind speeds ranging from 90 to 110 kilometers per hour as the cyclone nears the coast.
Vidarbha Region Rainfall Forecast
Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region can expect moderate to heavy rainfall from October 28 to 30. An alert has been issued for isolated areas, including Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia, and Nagpur, with predictions of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 50 kmph.
Broader Weather Outlook
Other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa, are on a yellow alert for potential rainfall.
Disaster Preparedness and Relief
In preparation for rescue and relief operations, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed. Emergency equipment, including boats and life jackets, are in place across coastal zones. Medical camps and ambulance services have also been activated in cyclone shelters. The government has authorized the release of funds for immediate relief efforts covering rescue, evacuation, medical care, food, water, sanitation, and road clearance, with provisions for additional aid to severely affected districts.
(Information compiled with agency reports)