Cyclone Montha Hits Kakinada with Heavy Winds and Rain
A severe cyclonic storm has made landfall near Kakinada, causing significant weather disturbances in the region. Cyclone Montha, which began its landfall process on Tuesday night, has brought heavy rainfall and wind speeds reaching up to 110 km/h, prompting local authorities to take immediate action.
Landfall Details
The cyclone commenced its landfall around 8 PM at Antarvedipalli, located between Kakinada and Machilipatnam. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process is expected to continue for approximately two more hours. The IMD has warned that the maximum wind speeds during this period could range from 90 to 110 km/h.
Impact on Local Communities
Reports indicate that the cyclone has already caused significant disruption, including uprooted trees and power outages across various towns and villages in the coastal districts. In response to the situation, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been actively monitoring developments from the Real Time Governance Centre. He has urged officials to remain vigilant throughout the night to mitigate potential loss of life and property.
Government Response
In a teleconference with district collectors, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of immediate relief measures. He instructed ministers to visit affected areas to reassure residents and implement necessary support. Additionally, he has requested assistance from the central government to assess the cyclone’s impact, particularly regarding agricultural losses.
Weather Warnings
The IMD has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, South Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Residents are advised to stay indoors and follow official updates for safety. The cyclone’s effects are expected to be particularly severe in districts such as Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, and others.
Traffic and Safety Measures
To ensure public safety, the state government has suspended vehicle movement in seven districts from 8:30 PM on Tuesday until 6 AM on Wednesday. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have been directed to halt traffic on all roads, including national highways, with exceptions made only for emergency medical services. Residents are urged to remain indoors and exercise caution.
Evacuations and Relief Camps
The cyclone is projected to affect 403 mandals across 22 districts. In preparation for potential emergencies, the government has established 1,204 relief camps, evacuating over 75,000 individuals to safety. Control rooms have been set up in 488 mandals to manage the situation effectively.
Coastal Precautions
A red alert has been issued for coastal districts, which are at risk of flash floods. Areas such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam are experiencing heavy rains and strong winds. High tidal waves have also caused damage to the Uppada-Kakinada beach road, leading to its closure. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea for five days, and all coastal activities, including tourism, have been suspended.
Coordination with Central Authorities
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has communicated with Chief Minister Naidu and relevant railway officials to coordinate immediate restoration efforts following the cyclone’s landfall. In response, Naidu expressed gratitude for the Union minister’s support, highlighting the collaborative efforts of both state and central governments to ensure public safety.
FAQs
What areas are most affected by Cyclone Montha?
The cyclone is primarily impacting Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, and several other districts in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rainfall and strong winds reported.
What safety measures are being implemented?
The state government has suspended vehicle movement in affected districts, established relief camps, and issued a red alert for coastal areas to ensure public safety.
How can residents stay updated on the cyclone’s progress?
Residents are encouraged to follow official updates from the India Meteorological Department and local authorities for the latest information and safety instructions.
Conclusion
Cyclone Montha has made a significant impact on the Kakinada region, prompting swift action from local authorities to ensure public safety. As the situation develops, residents are advised to remain indoors and stay informed through official channels. The government continues to coordinate relief efforts and assess the damage caused by the cyclone.
Also Read:
Cyclone Montha Nears Andhra Pradesh: Evacuations Underway
