Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as Cyclone Montha intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam—near Kakinada—on the evening or night of October 28. As of 11:30 a.m. on October 27, the storm was located 530 km south-southeast of Kakinada, moving north-northwest at 17 kmph. The IMD forecasts wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across coastal districts.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu chaired a high-level review at the RTGS center, directing hourly cyclone bulletins from Tuesday morning and real-time public updates. “No lives should be lost,” he declared, ordering satellite phones, mobile towers, and immediate evacuations to 364 school shelters. Over 2,707 high-risk villages are under close watch, with 3,211 generators deployed across 110 mandals to ensure uninterrupted power. PM Narendra Modi assured full central support, with Minister Nara Lokesh coordinating with the PMO.

Evacuations are in full swing, with 260 relief centers in Kakinada and 140 in Nellore stocked with food, milk, and water for 2–3 days. Vulnerable groups—pregnant women, the elderly, and coastal residents—are being shifted to safety. All 14,000+ schools in affected areas are closed, beaches sealed, and fishermen recalled. Red alerts cover Kakinada, Konaseema, Krishna, and four other districts. Krishna is expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall on Tuesday.

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Rapid response is primed: 11 NDRF, 12 SDRF, and fire service teams are deployed with boats, life jackets, and swimmers. 851 JCBs, 757 power saws, and dewatering pumps stand ready for road clearance. Energy teams with transformers and generators are on standby. Medical camps, ambulances, and anti-snake venom stocks are mobilized at shelters. Post-cyclone, sanitation drives and tarpaulins will protect crops and livestock.

The RTGS War Room operates 24/7, tracking rainfall, wind, and flooding via satellite and wireless networks. Drains are being cleared, tree branches pruned, and reservoirs monitored in real time. Naidu warned of strict action against lax officials and urged citizens to stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, and follow only official alerts. With every resource mobilized, Andhra Pradesh stands united against Montha’s fury.

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