The Indian Railways has cancelled more than 65 passenger and express trains across coastal Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Montha approaches the state’s coast. The cancellations, which affect key routes through Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam and Bhimavaram, will remain in force between October 28 and 29.

Officials said services will resume only after a thorough safety inspection once weather conditions improve. The East Coast Railway has also suspended several train operations along the Odisha–Andhra corridor as a precautionary measure.

Flights grounded, red alert issued

Flight operations have been severely disrupted across the region. All IndiGo and Air India Express flights scheduled for October 28 at Visakhapatnam Airport have been cancelled owing to adverse weather conditions. Passengers have been advised to verify flight status before travelling to the airport.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh, warning that Cyclone Montha is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning. It is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by the evening or night of October 28.

Wind speeds could reach 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfall across the affected districts.

Evacuations, disaster teams deployed

Authorities have begun large-scale evacuations from low-lying and vulnerable areas in East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Visakhapatnam districts.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed district officials to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply, maintain emergency shelters, and keep medical units on standby.

“Residents should remain indoors, avoid coastal zones, and follow safety advisories until the storm passes,” officials said in a statement.

BJP units told to stay on high alert

BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda expressed concern for residents of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the cyclone moves closer to the mainland.

He said all party units in the affected states have been directed to stay on high alert and coordinate with local administrations in preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.

Nadda urged citizens to take necessary precautions and adhere to official safety advisories as Cyclone Montha nears landfall.

Conclusion

Cyclone Montha, the second major storm of the post-monsoon season, poses a serious threat to coastal Andhra and neighbouring states. Officials have advised the public to stay updated through official IMD bulletins and emergency channels as relief teams continue their operations.