Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has issued a stern directive to all officials: remain highly alert and prepared for Cyclone Montha. The severe cyclonic storm is anticipated to hit the state hard for four consecutive days, commencing this Sunday, October 26.
During a teleconference held on Saturday, October 25, with district Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and other top-ranking officials, Mr. Naidu highlighted the Meteorological Department’s red alert. He stressed the urgent need for proactive measures to minimize the cyclone’s potential devastating effects.
Forecasters predict that Cyclone Montha will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, making landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast by Monday evening, October 28. Wind speeds are expected to reach a formidable 110 kilometers per hour.
In light of this imminent threat, the Chief Minister emphasized that all necessary precautions must be implemented to safeguard human lives and prevent widespread damage to property.
The cyclone’s trajectory suggests it could impact the entire coastal stretch from Srikakulam to Tirupati. Heavy rainfall, estimated between 80 to 100 mm, is expected, prompting the Chief Minister to warn officials to be vigilant against potential flooding.
Collectors have been specifically instructed to develop comprehensive action plans for cyclone relief and to ensure all required resources are readily available and fully equipped.
A top priority is to immediately caution residents in coastal zones and, if deemed necessary, evacuate them to safer locations. Additionally, the Chief Minister advised declaring holidays for educational institutions as a precautionary measure.
Continuous, real-time monitoring of water levels in all major and medium reservoirs is mandated, with precise water releases to be managed based on the latest data.
For emergency response, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are to be deployed. Furthermore, ‘hospital-on-wheels’ services will be launched in Kakinada to provide immediate medical assistance.
Departments responsible for Roads & Buildings (R&B), Energy, Irrigation, Municipal Administration, and Panchayat Raj have all been put on high alert to facilitate swift and effective relief operations.
Finally, Mr. Naidu emphasized the importance of appointing dedicated in-charge officers for each district identified as being at risk from the approaching cyclone.