Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall In Andhra Pradesh, Causing Evacuations And Transport Disruptions

Cyclone Montha has struck Andhra Pradesh, resulting in strong winds, heavy rain, and transport cancellations. The Odisha government is prepared, ensuring evacuations and safety measures to prevent casualties.

Severe Cyclone Montha has begun making landfall between Machilipatnam and Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The storm brings strong winds, heavy rain, and risks of coastal flooding. One fatality has been reported so far. Authorities have opened relief camps, issued safety advisories, and suspended train services in affected areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada. The storm is likely to bring sustained wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, accompanied by intense rainfall.

Precautionary Measures in Andhra Pradesh

In response to the cyclone's approach, the Andhra Pradesh government has imposed a night curfew on all traffic movement in affected districts. Only emergency medical services are exempt from these restrictions. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Vehicle movement has been completely suspended in seven districts: Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Kakinada, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, and parts of Alluri Sitarama Raju. This ban is effective from 8:30 pm tonight until 6:00 am tomorrow.

Odisha's Preparedness for Cyclone Montha

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state is fully prepared for Cyclone Montha's impact. Eight southern districts are expected to be most affected. "Our goal is zero casualties," Majhi stated. The state has identified 2,040 cyclone-prone sites for evacuation and shifted over 11,000 people to safety.

The Odisha government has opened more than 2,000 disaster relief centres across eight districts. Schools and anganwadis will remain closed until October 30 in nine districts. Tourist access to hills and beaches is restricted as a precautionary measure.

Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure

Eighteen flights between Hyderabad's Shamshabad airport and Andhra Pradesh destinations have been cancelled due to safety concerns related to Cyclone Montha. Affected cities include Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Rajahmundry.

A wall collapsed near Malkapuram police station in Visakhapatnam following heavy rainfall caused by the cyclone. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as further infrastructure damage is possible.

Cyclone Warnings Across Regions

The IMD issued a red warning for Kakinada port due to imminent danger from high winds and rough seas. Other ports like Visakhapatnam received slightly lower warnings but still face strong winds and heavy rain.

Tamil Nadu ports also received storm warnings as Cyclone Montha moves towards Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until October 29 due to expected high surface winds.

Government Response and Monitoring Efforts

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy reviewed the situation with officials at the Secretariat. He directed drone monitoring of inundated areas and instructed officials to focus on regions vulnerable to flash floods.

The Railways have activated divisional war rooms along the East Coast as a precautionary measure against Cyclone Montha's impact on train operations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana.

The state governments continue their efforts to ensure public safety during this severe weather event while maintaining communication with residents through official advisories.