Montha is rapidly advancing    ( Montha) 

Amaravati: The cyclonic storm that formed in the Bay of Bengal has now intensified. According to reports, Cyclone ‘Montha’        ( Montha)     has hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh. Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, stated that Cyclone ‘Montha’ has begun to make landfall and is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. Rain and strong winds are lashing coastal districts. “The cyclone has started to make landfall. Rain and thunderstorms are occurring in coastal districts,” he said, adding that the storm will intensify as it approaches land.

Cyclone Montha is rapidly advancing.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, stated that the cyclone had progressed at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour over the past six hours, and by evening, it was about 560 kilometers from Visakhapatnam and was expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning. He added, “The cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada as a severe cyclonic storm on the evening or night of October 28th.” Jain urged residents of coastal districts to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.

PM Modi Called the CM to Inform
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that PM Modi has assured the state of all possible central assistance to deal with Cyclone Montha. According to the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Montha could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi called him during the day to inquire about the cyclone’s intensity and the precautionary measures being taken. According to an official release, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the relief and precautionary measures taken by the state government. The Prime Minister assured all possible assistance from the central government.

CM holds meeting with officials
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also held a review meeting with officials regarding the cyclone. According to a release, “The Chief Minister ordered advance action in areas where rainfall and flooding are expected. He asked officials to strengthen canal banks to prevent crop damage.” Naidu directed officials to continuously monitor the movement of the cyclone. The release stated that heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in Krishna district for two days starting Monday due to the cyclone’s impact. Similarly, heavy rainfall is forecast in Guntur, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu, and West Godavari districts.

Instructions to officials to remain alert
According to the Chief Minister, all fishermen who ventured into the sea have been brought back to shore. The Chief Minister directed the NDRF, Panchayat Raj Engineering Team, Road and Building officials, and Electricity Department officials to be fully prepared for necessary post-cyclone action. Officials informed Naidu that 851 earthmovers and 757 power saws have been prepared. They also informed him that the Chief Minister has instructed officials to prepare a list of cyclone relief equipment in advance. The Chief Minister suggested that officials alert people and advise them not to venture out during the cyclone, and take necessary precautions to prevent loss of life and property. He warned of serious action against those who fail to perform their duties during the cyclone.

During an online meeting with the Collector and Superintendent of Police, the Chief Minister instructed medical teams to be prepared to provide emergency services. He said that quality food should be provided in medical camps as well as relief shelters, and that each family residing in the relief camps should be given ₹3,000 in cash, 25 kg of rice, and other essential items. He said that to prevent a drinking water crisis, officials must ensure that water sources are not contaminated. Naidu also asked officials to monitor drainage systems and take landslide prevention measures to avoid waterlogging in Vijayawada, Mangalagiri, and Visakhapatnam.

Montha to pass through Kakinada tomorrow
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather system is expected to move north/northwestward and pass near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam during the evening and night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching 110 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, the government has deployed SDRF teams in NTR, Tirupati, Prakasam, Konaseema, Anakapalle, Rajahmundry, Bapatla, Annamalai, and Eluru districts.