New Delhi / Kakinada: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced late on Tuesday that the Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha had begun to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Montha is forecast to produce heavy to very heavy rain to many areas, including coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, south Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. It started over the Bay of Bengal.
Montha, which comes from the Thai term for “fragrant flower,” is the newest tropical system to form in the Bay of Bengal during current post-monsoon season.
The Path and Strength of Cyclone Montha
The latest bulletin from IMD says that Montha will keep moving north-northwest and cross the coast of Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, in the next three to four hours. The system is a strong cyclonic storm with sustained winds of 90 to 100 km/h and gusts of up to 110 km/h.
The IMD said that the effects would be felt all throughout the coastal and nearby districts, especially Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema, and sections of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, including the Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions.
How the government responded and what steps were taken to keep people safe
The Andhra Pradesh government has barred all vehicles from moving in the seven districts that are most likely to be affected by the storm from 8:30 PM on Tuesday to 6:00 AM on Wednesday. Officials think that 403 mandals in 22 districts could be affected by the storm.
To lessen the effects of the interruptions, the government has sent out a lot of emergency resources:
To clear away fallen trees and other debris, 1,447 earthmovers, 1,040 chainsaws, and 321 drones have been sent in.
To make sure that communication doesn’t stop and help can get to people quickly during the crisis, 81 wireless towers and 21 big emergency lamps have been put up.
3.6 crore alarm messages have been delivered to people all throughout the state to make them more aware and ready.
At a review meeting with top authorities, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was told that Nellore district has had the most rain so far.
Effects of Rain on Farming
Tuesday, between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Ulavapadu in the Nellore district got 12.6 cm of rain, which was the most in the state. Then came:
Kavali: 12.2 cm
Dagadarthi: 12 cm
Singarayakonda: 10.5 cm
B Kodur: 6 cm
2 centimeters each for Visakhapatnam and Tuni
The IMD has warned that standing rice and vegetable crops in low-lying areas could be badly hurt by flooding and waterlogging. To avoid losses, farmers have been told to drain extra water from their crops whenever they can.
IMD and Public Notice
The IMD has encouraged people to stay inside, not travel to dangerous coastal areas, and follow the disaster management advice given by local governments. Official channels and digital notifications are sending out regular updates.
The IMD’s most recent statement noted, “Montha’s effects will be worst in the next few hours, and people should stay inside and avoid unnecessary movement.”
Forecast for the Region
Montha is anticipated to bring heavy to very heavy rain to the following areas:
Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh
Telangana and South Chhattisgarh
Some areas of Odisha
The east coast is likely to have moderate to high winds and rough seas. Fishermen have been told not to go into the sea till further notice.
Final Thoughts
As Cyclone Montha makes its way onto land, Andhra Pradesh and nearby states are getting ready for a night of heavy rain, strong gusts, and possible flooding. Authorities are asking people to stay alert and work with emergency workers to limit damage and keep everyone safe, even though they have already put in place a lot of safety measures.