Cyclone Montha Nears Andhra Coast: IMD Red Alert in 23 Districts, Massive Evacuations Underway

New Delhi (India) October 27: Andhra Pradesh bracing for major storm as deep depression over southeast Bay Of Bengal further develops into Cyclone Montha, the first big storm of the season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put 23 of the state’s 26 districts under red and orange alerts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain, approaching gale-force winds and potential flooding.

Andhra on High Alert

The system is likely to move towards Andhra coast and cross between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada on Evening of October 28. Authorities have launched giant preparations and calls have been issued around coastal communities to stay indoors and keep off the sea.

As cyclone Montha is approaching for landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu joined by Minister Nara Lokesh has begun to oversee recce on the situation from RTGS War Room. Thousands have been evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas, with more than 400 relief camps prepared with basic supplies.

Eleven NDRF and 12 SDRF teams have been deployed even as power, water and medical teams are on standby. Beaches are off limits, schools in impacted municipalities are shuttered and residents have been encouraged to stay indoors. As the state is on high alert, PM Modi has promised complete central aid.

Government Response

Special Officer responsible for Cyclone Management V Vinay Chand instructed authorities to evacuate people and animals from coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh which are feared to be impacted by the upcomming cyclone Montha.

He directed officials to open schools and colleges as shelters, fill the essential requirements such as food, water and medicines, keep power lines, roads and communication in working condition. NDRF and SDRF teams are ready at Anakapalli and Payakaraopeta.

Odisha and Karnataka Brace

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Karnataka's Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts with heavy to very heavy rain expected along with winds at 40 kmph.

Gusty wind would blow in Bagalkot, Koppal, Raichur, Belagavi, Gadag, Kolar, Chikkaballapura along with Kodagu and Mysuru districts and light to moderate rain is anticipated in many other districts such as Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Hassan and Tumakuru.

Rescue Forces Deployed

Odisha has activated 123 fire service units in eight "red zone" districts across the state. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been provided with rescue boats, motor rafts chainsaw, gensets to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations. Firefighters are involved in search and rescue, evacuations, clearing debris and distributing food and other supplies.

The government in Odisha was evacuating people from vulnerable spots as light showers lashed eight southern districts for which a "red alert" had been sounded even as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal on Monday intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Montha’. Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said that the officials, local public representatives, Anganwadi workers, ASHA didis and others have been persuading the people residing in vulnerable areas to move to safer places.

Schools and Anganwadi centres will remain closed till October 30 in the view of impending cyclone Montha. Leaves of government servants in nine districts have also been revoked to tackle the emergency.

Public Safety First

IMD Director Manorama Mohanty appealed to people to be vigilant and not pay heed to rumours, adding that though Odisha is likely to receive heavy rainfall, there was a possibility of the impact being more in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.