Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to issue hourly bulletins on Cyclone Montha from Tuesday morning to ensure real-time information reaches the public. Regularly providing AP cyclone updates is crucial at this time. Reviewing Montha cyclone preparedness at the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre in the Secretariat, the Chief Minister said the government’s top priority is zero loss of life and property.
During the review meeting, Naidu instructed authorities to ensure uninterrupted communication networks even during severe weather conditions. He ordered the use of satellite phones and temporary mobile towers in vulnerable areas. The government has pinpointed 2,707 village and ward secretariats at high risk of severe impact. To guarantee an uninterrupted power supply, officials have deployed 3,211 generators across 110 mandals.
Ensuring timely AP cyclone updates, the Chief Minister said people in coastal areas must be evacuated immediately to relief and rehabilitation centres. Every evacuated family will be provided 25 kg of rice and other essential supplies.
PM Modi calls CM Chandrababu, assures help
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called him over the Montha cyclone situation. The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the precautionary measures taken by the State government. AP cyclone updates were a key part of the briefing. The Prime Minister assured full support from the Centre to Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister assigned IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh to coordinate with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on cyclone relief operations.
Heavy rains forecast; educational institutions closed
Officials informed the Chief Minister that Cyclone Montha, currently 680 km from Kakinada, is moving towards the coast at a speed of 16 km/h. Providing regular AP cyclone updates, it has already triggered rains in North and South Coastal Andhra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rainfall in Krishna district on Tuesday. Holidays have been declared for schools and colleges. Fishermen have been returned to the shore, and sea operations have been suspended.
Heavy rainfall alerts have also been issued for Guntur, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu and West Godavari districts. Cyclone Montha is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinda on Tuesday night.
Relief forces on high alert
The Chief Minister directed district administrations to remain fully alert in high-risk flood zones. He instructed NDRF and SDRF teams to stay ready for emergency rescue operations. The Fire Services Department has also been placed on standby.
Authorities have directed departments such as Panchayat Raj Engineering, Roads & Buildings, and Electricity to respond immediately to fallen trees, blocked roads, and damaged power lines. Districts are setting up control rooms to streamline rescue and relief operations. Naidu also ordered emergency services—including 108 and 104 ambulances—to stay fully operational, with special attention to pregnant women and new mothers. Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have stocked anti-venom and anti-rabies vaccines to handle medical emergencies.
To protect farmers, the Chief Minister ordered the supply of tarpaulins to prevent crop damage and directed precautions to safeguard livestock.
Officials reported that 851 JCBs and 757 power saws have been strategically positioned in cyclone-prone areas. Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to map all machinery locations and conduct an audit after the cyclone to ensure accountability. He also ordered the immediate cleaning of drainage channels to prevent urban flooding.
CM Naidu warns against negligence
The Chief Minister cautioned that once the cyclone makes landfall, there could be a high risk of danger if people step outdoors. He ordered frequent warning messages to be sent to the public. He asked officials to use past cyclone experiences like Titli, Phailin and Hudhud as guidance for effective disaster management.
Chandrababu Naidu issued a strong warning to officials against negligence in duty, stating that strict action would be taken if lapses were found.
Ministers Nara Lokesh and Anitha, Chief Secretary Vijay Anand and senior IAS and IPS officers attended the review meeting.
FAQs on Cyclone Montha
1. When will Cyclone Montha make landfall?
The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on Tuesday night.
2. Which districts are on red alert?
Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, NTR, West Godavari, Dr Ambedkar Konaseema, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts have been put on red alert.
3. What precautions has the government taken?
Evacuation to relief camps, satellite communication setup, backup power arrangements, and medical emergency teams have been deployed.
4. Has the Centre responded to the cyclone situation?
Yes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support to Andhra Pradesh.
