The Andhra Pradesh government has announced two-day school holidays in several coastal districts, such as Nellore, Bapatla, Prakasam, East Godavari, and Konaseema, due to Cyclone Montha moving toward the Andhra Pradesh coast. This announcement came as a proactive measure after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall and strong winds in the state.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took stock of the cyclone situation with senior officials and instructed district administrations to stay prepared and safeguard residents in low-lying and vulnerable locations. Fishermen have been warned not to go to sea until things get back to normal again.
IMD Predicts Heavy Rain and Winds
The IMD bulletin indicates Cyclone Montha is expected to reach the Kakinada coast in the next 24 hours, with rainfall amounting to 7/20 centimetres in several districts. Winds can reach 70/90 kilometres per hour. There is likely to be uprooted trees, power outages, and flash flooding in some areas.
The IMD has also set a red alert for Krishna, Guntur, and East Godavari districts, so residents are advised to stay home and not take trips. District officials have been instructed to have evacuation centres on standby, and to ensure that there is power and communication capabilities in cyclone areas.
Government and NDRF Step Up Preparations
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams throughout high-risk areas. Emergency helplines have been turned on in all districts and control rooms are monitoring real-time weather data.
District collectors have been directed to collaborate with police, revenue, and health agencies to activate the emergency response plan in an efficient manner. Medical teams and ambulances are already on standby as relief centres have been provided with sufficient supplies for food, medicines, or drinking water.
Citizens Have Been Asked to be Pragmatic
Officials have asked citizens to stay current with the official weather forecasts while avoiding the dissemination of unverified reports on social media. People who live near riverbanks or coastal belts are asked to consider relocating to safer sheltering options as a precautionary measure.
As Cyclone Montha approaches, the Andhra Pradesh government took proactive measures, from school closures to disaster management readiness for the limitations disruption to lives.
We will have updates and safety information as the situation progresses.
