Officials across Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are in a state of heightened readiness, determined to minimize potential damage as Cyclone Montha approaches. The storm is anticipated to make landfall near the Kakinada coast by the night of October 28, 2025.
Lessons learned from devastating past cyclones like Hud-Hud and Titli have fueled a commitment among officials to leave nothing to chance. Srikakulam district, with its extensive 185-kilometer coastline stretching from Pydibhimavaram to Ichachapuram, has historically endured significant devastation from cyclones, even those making landfall far away in areas like Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.
In Srikakulam, a specialized control room (08942-240557) has been established at the Collector’s office. Its primary role is to continuously monitor highly vulnerable areas, including Palasa, Sompeta, Santabommali, and Kotabommali, all key parts of the agriculturally rich Uddanam region, known for its cashew and coconut plantations. Farman Ahmed Khan, the Srikakulam in-charge Collector, chaired a crucial teleconference with all relevant officials, emphasizing the need for flawless coordination during this challenging period.
Meanwhile, the broader Andhra Pradesh government has already appointed special officers specifically to oversee relief operations related to Cyclone Montha.
Collector Khan issued a strict advisory to fishermen, urging them to stay off the sea for the upcoming week, as the cyclonic activity is expected to cause extremely rough waters.
Furthermore, irrigation officials have been tasked with closely monitoring the water levels and inflows into major rivers such as Vamsadhara and Nagavali, anticipating potential flooding post-cyclone. A critical directive was also given to promptly relocate residents from low-lying areas to designated safe shelters.
These proactive steps align with alerts issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding Cyclone Montha’s impending arrival in Andhra Pradesh.
In neighboring Vizianagaram, Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy similarly convened a meeting with key officials to strategize damage mitigation. He specifically highlighted the need for vigilance in Bhogapuram and Pusapatirega mandals, where over 50 villages are situated precariously close to the coastline. Agricultural officials were instructed to inform farmers about protective measures for their standing crops.