Cyclone Montha To Create Havoc In Andhra Pradesh Tonight

Cyclone Montha will hit the coastal shores of Andhra Pradesh by tonight, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department. It is all set to make landfall in Kakinada with an approaching speed of 100 kmph. 

A high alert has been issued across the coastal areas, with relief centres set up and evacuation operations in progress. As the storm progresses, Odisha and Tamil Nadu are likely to face heavy rainfall and strong winds. 

Cyclone Montha: More Updates

Cyclone Montha, the first storm of the season, is expected to cause havoc in the southern coastal areas, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. 

Currently, it is centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is now heading northwest. This cyclone is expected to become stronger with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph.

As per Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu, Cyclone Montha will trigger heavy rainfall in 3,778 villages, and may intensify further on Tuesday morning. 

Preventive Measures

He has asked officials about the preventive measures for cyclone-related deaths. The districts of Kakinada, Eluru, Konaseema, East and West Godavari have been put on a high alert by the Andhra Pradesh government.

During a review meeting at the Kakinada Collectorate on Monday, Nadendla Manhor, the in-charge minister for Eluru, also clarified about the preventive measures, including 269 rehabilitation centres, deployment of 30 NDRF and 50 SDRF teams, generators, earthmovers, and tractors with ample fuel stock.

He also said that pregnant mothers have been moved to hospitals. Essential supplies and medicines will be available in times of need. All the educational centres will be closed until Wednesday. There will be no fishing activities.

While Andhra Pradesh is at risk of facing Cyclone Montha, red and orange alerts have been issued to 23 districts. 

The south coastal regions of northwest Odisha and the northern districts of Tamil Nadu will witness heavy rainfall and winds. 

On Monday, the Odisha government evacuated three thousand people from the vulnerable areas after the storm brought rains in Bhubaneshwar and the southern part of the state.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the areas with possible landslides, including Rayagada, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Koraput.