Cyclone Montha, which made landfall around midnight bringing heavy rains and strong winds, has weakened from a severe cyclonic storm to a cyclonic storm over coastal Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.
The system is expected to retain its current intensity for a few more hours before gradually weakening into a deep depression and subsequently into a depression.
According to the IMD, Montha will continue to move inland across parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions in several coastal districts.
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall on Wednesday over parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 kmph.
In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi visited the control room at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office to review the state’s preparedness and monitor real-time developments.
“We reviewed graphical data and ground reports on Cyclone Montha. Odisha is not at significant risk at the moment. All our teams are on alert, and people in vulnerable areas have been moved to safety. Adequate arrangements have been made at all cyclone shelters,” Majhi said.
He added that special attention is being given to pregnant women, senior citizens, and the sick to ensure their safety. Schools and Anganwadi centres have been temporarily closed, and officials have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance for the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry conducted a review meeting with senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu to assess preparedness measures. The Ministry emphasised maintaining adequate emergency medical supplies, ensuring the readiness of disaster response teams, and protecting healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable coastal areas.
(With inputs from agencies)