In a significant proactive move, the government announced on Monday, October 27, 2025, that over 600 boats, including large mechanized fishing vessels, have successfully returned to the Kakinada coast from the Bay of Bengal. This vital step was taken as a precautionary measure against Cyclone Montha. Furthermore, anticipating the storm’s impact, 142 pregnant women were safely relocated to government hospitals nearby, ensuring their well-being during the challenging weather.
A total of 269 relief camps have been swiftly established, with intensive evacuation operations concentrated along the Kakinada to Uppada stretch, an area that experienced severe winds and rainfall on Monday. To bolster these efforts, 40 boats and 140 skilled swimmers have been strategically deployed, particularly on the vulnerable Uppada coast. Sources also confirmed that over 14,500 residents from various welfare hostels have been safely sent back to their homes as part of the extensive safety protocols.
During a crucial meeting on cyclone preparedness, Minister P. Narayana, who oversees Municipal Administration, Urban Development, and is Kakinada district’s in-charge, highlighted collaborative efforts. He announced that the revered Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam in Annavaram, alongside prominent NGOs like Alluri Sitarama Raju and Akshaya Foundation, is committed to providing 10,000 food packets to those seeking refuge in the relief camps.
The Minister further detailed the significant deployment of emergency services, stating, ‘A force of 80 personnel, including 50 highly trained members from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are now active along the Kakinada coast.’ Additionally, a dedicated team of 100 electricity department personnel from the Rayalaseema region has reached the district, ready to commence power restoration efforts once conditions allow.
In anticipation of severe rainfall and coastal erosion, specialized teams have been swiftly deployed across Uppada, Kothapalli, Tallarevu, Thondangi, and the Kakinada Rural areas. The local police are also actively securing the Kakinada-Uppada road, which is at high risk of submersion from sea erosion. Minister Narayana assured that the majority of relief camps, primarily located within the Kakinada and Uppada coastal belt, are well-stocked with essential commodities to support evacuees for at least one week.
To ensure prompt medical response, 23 ambulances are on standby for any emergencies that may arise during the cyclone. Furthermore, dedicated medical and health personnel from Pithapuram and Tallarevu Primary Health Centres are prepared to be deployed for critical relief operations.
The preparedness meeting saw the attendance of key officials, including Kakinada District Collector S. Shan Mohan, Kakinada Rajya Sabha MP Sana Sateesh, Kakinada City MLA Tangella Uday Srinivas, and Special Officer V.R. Krishna Teja, underscoring the coordinated effort to manage the cyclone’s impact.