KAKINADA/BHUBANESWAR: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha took precautionary measures on Sunday as Cyclone Montha intensified in the Bay of Bengal, preparing to strike the coastal regions with strong winds ranging from 90 to 110 kmph. Montha was situated approximately 830 km from Kakinada in Andhra and 930 km from Gopalpur in Odisha. The cyclone is anticipated to make landfall along Andhra’s coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. Authorities in at least five districts of Andhra, including Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari, implemented various contingency plans. These measures included evacuating residents from at-risk areas, closing schools, and issuing warnings to fishermen against going out to sea. In Kakinada, officials began relocating individuals from Hope Island to safer locations. Schools are set to remain closed from October 27 to 31 in preparation for heavy rainfall. The collector of Konaseema, R Mahesh Kumar, announced the closure of schools and indicated that shelters have been established for over 6,000 residents from 34 coastal villages. He also mentioned that 428 pregnant women, due within the next 15 days, were transferred to health facilities, with NDRF teams and earth-moving equipment on standby. Authorities in West Godavari declared holidays for schools and colleges on October 27 and 28, in addition to halting all leisure activities at beaches and resorts. Similar school closures were enforced in Eluru. Telecom providers have been instructed to install generators to ensure uninterrupted operation of mobile towers. Residents in unsafe buildings and low-lying areas have been relocated. In Odisha, officials identified eight districts as “red zones.” “We have classified Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi as red zones. These regions are predicted to face the most significant impact, with extremely heavy rainfall expected.” stated disaster management minister Suresh Pujari following a meeting with district collectors.
Cyclone Montha: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha prepare for landfall; schools are closed, and beach activities have been suspended
