Post by : Rameen Ariff

India’s eastern coast is facing the full force of Cyclone Montha, a severe storm system moving over the Bay of Bengal, expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening. Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands from vulnerable villages, closed schools, cancelled train services, and issued red alerts across several coastal districts as Cyclone Montha intensifies.

Across Andhra Pradesh, more than 38,000 residents have been relocated from low-lying areas to safer shelters. The government has prepared 1,906 relief camps and 364 school shelters to accommodate evacuees, while schools and colleges remain closed until Wednesday. State Minister for Communications Nara Lokesh stated that 1,238 coastal villages are being closely monitored as the storm approaches. In neighboring Odisha, around 32,000 people have been shifted from vulnerable zones to safe shelters. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea, while rescue teams remain stationed along the coastline.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, with gusts reaching 110 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of high waves reaching 4.7 meters, advising vessels and small boats to stay away from shorelines. Authorities have hoisted danger signal seven at Kakinada port, the highest alert level for ships, while other ports including Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Machilipatnam have raised danger signals ranging from five to six.

The Indian Railways has cancelled 32 trains, diverted one, and short-terminated two services as a precautionary measure. Flight operations have also been partially affected due to strong winds and low visibility. “Our priority is to ensure passenger safety,” said Deepak Rout, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Coast Railway.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has appealed to all NDA leaders, ministers, and party workers to actively participate in relief and rescue efforts. He assured the public that the government is fully prepared to handle the situation and minimize loss of life and property. “In times of crisis, every citizen must stand together. We have tackled storms like Hudhud and Titli in the past, and we are ready to face Montha with the same determination,” Naidu said. Real-time alerts are being sent to residents via mobile networks, and advisories are being issued for farmers to protect crops from flooding.

Experts say Cyclone Montha is another reminder of the increasing impact of climate change on extreme weather events in India. “Global warming is heating both the air and oceans, providing more energy for cyclones to grow stronger,” explained Akshay Deoras, a meteorologist at the University of Reading. According to the Emergency Events Database, Asia recorded 167 major disasters in 2024, the highest in the world, causing losses of over $32 billion.

As Cyclone Montha approaches the coast, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police units, and local volunteers are working around the clock to ensure the safety of residents. Power supply, communication, and transportation departments are on high alert, ready to restore essential services once the cyclone passes.

While heavy rain and strong winds continue to lash the coastal belt, authorities urge citizens to stay indoors, follow official advisories, and avoid travel until conditions improve. As India braces for the landfall of Cyclone Montha, the focus remains on preparedness, resilience, and saving lives from one of the season’s most powerful storms.

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