With just hours to go before Cyclone Montha makes landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, several districts in the state are witnessing intense winds of up to 80 kmph and heavy rainfall. The cyclone, which is expected to cross the coast late Tuesday night, has already disrupted power and road connectivity in low-lying areas.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, over 10,000 people have been evacuated from coastal villages to relief and rehabilitation camps.

Relief efforts in full swing

Officials have opened 242 medical camps and kept 283 ambulances on standby to deal with emergencies. Teams for debris clearance, tree cutting, and power restoration have been pre-deployed at vulnerable stretches along the coastal belt.

Special attention has been given to pregnant women and the elderly. Authorities said 3,361 pregnant women whose delivery dates fall within the next week have been identified and shifted to nearby hospitals for safety.

Districts on high alert

District administrations in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam have been placed on high alert, with continuous coordination between the state disaster response force (SDRF), NDRF, and local police.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and coastal villages are being monitored round-the-clock. Early warnings have also been issued for flooding and landslides in interior areas due to heavy rain.

Government response

Chief Minister chandra babu naidu reviewed the preparedness through a video conference with district collectors and directed officials to ensure zero casualties and quick relief distribution post-landfall.

Electricity and public works departments have been instructed to keep restoration teams ready for immediate response once the cyclone crosses the coast.

Cyclone Montha tracker

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha is currently moving northwestwards over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to make landfall between Naupada (Srikakulam) and Kalingapatnam. The system is expected to bring very heavy rainfall (115–204 mm) over coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.

Strong winds are expected to persist through Wednesday morning before gradually weakening.