Cyclone 'Montha' intensifies; landfall begins near Andhra coast
What's the story
Landfall of Cyclone "Montha" has begun near the Andhra Pradesh coast, with coastal districts experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The cyclone, which means "fragrant flower," is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning. It was located about 560km off Visakhapatnam on Monday evening and is likely to cross the coast near Kakinada on October 28.
Preparedness measures
Authorities on high alert as cyclone nears
Authorities are on high alert as Cyclone "Montha" approaches. NTR district Collector G Lakshmisha told PTI that all departments are working in coordination with 180 rehabilitation centers prepared and 24 drones deployed for continuous weather monitoring. Vijayawada Police Commissioner S V Rajasekhar Babu was also quoted as confirming that officers were deployed across each ward secretariat and a control room was set up to monitor the situation.
District impact
Heavy rainfall recorded in Chittoor district
In Chittoor district's Nagari constituency, moderate to heavy rainfall has been recorded for four days. Floodwaters from the Kushasthali river have cut off road connectivity, prompting officials to halt traffic between Nagari town and rural areas. In the Kakinada district, rough sea conditions at the Uppada coast led to fears of coastal erosion. Police evacuated residents from several villages as a precautionary measure against rising sea levels.
Weather warning
Tirupati district Collector issues warning
Tirupati district Collector S Venkateshwar said five coastal mandals are expected to receive heavy rainfall. Control rooms have been set up and people are advised to stay indoors except for emergencies. Residents have also been advised against grazing cattle or standing under trees/electric poles/hoardings due to safety concerns. Pilgrims traveling to Tirumala have been asked to postpone their plans temporarily until the weather improves.