Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha to Sustain Intensity for Six Hours in Andhra Pradesh

The severe cyclonic storm Montha is forecasted to maintain its intensity for six hours after landfall in Andhra Pradesh, causing heavy rainfall until October 29. The Meteorological Department warns of isolated areas receiving over 20 cm of rain.

The severe cyclonic storm Montha is expected to retain its intensity for six hours after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions, including southern Odisha. The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall across Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas until 29 October. Isolated places may experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm during this period.

Montha's landfall began around 7:30 pm on Tuesday and is anticipated to continue for another two to three hours. The storm's radius extends up to 300 km, indicating the time required for it to completely cross the southern state's coast. Meanwhile, the weather system over the west-central Bay of Bengal moved northwest at a speed of 15 kmph over the past six hours.

Impact on Andhra Pradesh and Neighbouring Regions

The cyclone is projected to maintain its strength as it moves inland over Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha, southern Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. On 30 October, light to moderate rainfall is expected in many areas, with heavy rainfall at isolated locations in north coastal Andhra Pradesh. The Met Department forecasts that Montha will cross between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam within the next two hours.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu conducted a teleconference with local officials from the Real Time Governance System (RTGS) at the secretariat. He noted that Montha's impact is being felt in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema districts. "We have estimated that the cyclone will cross the coast at midnight," Naidu stated in an official release.

Government Response and Preparations

Naidu urged ward and village secretariat personnel to assist cyclone victims promptly and keep officials informed about local conditions. He also called for power restoration in affected areas. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw communicated with Naidu and local railway officials regarding immediate restoration efforts post-landfall.

"Thank you Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for your concern and support on cyclone Montha. The Union and State Governments stand prepared together to mitigate the impact of the cyclone, prioritising the safety of our people," Naidu posted on X. Vaishnaw reviewed railway preparedness in the southern state, ensuring real-time coordination through activated war rooms at various levels.

Railway Operations Amidst Cyclone

The Waltair Railway Division announced that essential resources and manpower are strategically positioned in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur to maintain vigilance and minimize train operation disruptions. "Immediate restoration work will begin post-landfall to ensure the earliest possible normalization of train services," emphasized Vaishnaw.

The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway Zone cancelled four trains scheduled for Wednesday. Similarly, Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway (SCR) Zone cancelled four trains scheduled for 29 October and diverted three more scheduled for 28 October.

With inputs from PTI