As Cyclone ‘Montha’ intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are on high alert, preparing for the impending landfall expected on October 28. Residents in Visakhapatnam and nearby districts, still recovering from the 2014 Hudhud devastation, are taking precautions as the cyclone approaches.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, with schools closed in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact. The Odisha government has initiated evacuations and deployed over 5,000 disaster response personnel across eight southern districts to ensure safety.
Visakhapatnam district has already experienced heavy rainfall, with an average of 52.2 mm recorded by Monday evening. The I&PR department reported that Pedagantyada mandal received the highest rainfall at 72.2 mm, emphasizing the widespread impact of Cyclone Montha.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Montha, named after the Thai word for ‘fragrant flower,’ is gaining strength over the Arabian Sea and is set to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast. The weather department has warned of strong gales and heavy rainfall accompanying the cyclonic storm, urging authorities in both states to work towards achieving a ‘zero casualty’ outcome.
