Cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal is racing towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone before making landfall near Kakinada on Tuesday night, officials of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said on Monday.
The coastal districts have been placed on high alert in view of forecasts predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong gales with wind speeds reaching up to 110 kmph.
According to APSDMA, the deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm on Monday morning. The cyclone moved at a speed of 15 kmph over the last six hours and is currently centered about 560 km from Chennai, 620 km from Kakinada, and 650 km from Visakhapatnam, said APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain.
As the cyclone approaches the coast, its impact is expected to intensify. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has estimated that it may strengthen into a severe cyclone by Tuesday morning and cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on Tuesday night.
Strong winds with speeds of 90–110 kmph are likely to lash the coastal areas. The APSDMA has cautioned residents not to take the calm weather lightly and urged them to remain vigilant.
With high tidal waves anticipated, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. All coastal activities have been suspended, and beaches have been closed for tourists. Danger signal number one has been hoisted at all ports.
The IMD has issued a red alert for seven districts on Monday, an orange alert for 16 districts, and a yellow alert for three districts. For Tuesday, a red alert has been issued for 16 districts.
Authorities in Vizianagaram, Anakapalle, Krishna, NTR, West Godavari, East Godavari, and Eluru districts have declared a three-day holiday for all educational institutions starting Monday. These districts have been witnessing rain accompanied by winds of around 40 kmph since morning.
Minister for Home and Disaster Management V. Anitha said the government has already initiated measures to prevent loss of life and property due to the cyclone.
As the cyclone may cause disruptions to communication networks, the government has provided satellite phones to the districts likely to be affected. Departments such as irrigation, civil supplies, health, and electricity have been placed on standby for relief operations.
The APSDMA has set up a state-level control room with helpline numbers 112, 1070, and 1800-425-0101. Control rooms have also been established in the collectorates of 12 coastal districts.
The government has cancelled all official leaves and released ₹19 crore for relief operations. A total of 219 cyclone shelters have been opened across 57 coastal mandals. Nine teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and seven teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in the coastal districts.
— IANS