Is Cyclone Montha Making Landfall Near Kakinada?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Montha has begun landfall near Kakinada.
- Expected wind speeds range from 90-110 km/h.
- Heavy rainfall is likely in coastal Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions.
- The government has set up relief camps for evacuees.
- A red alert has been issued for affected districts.
Amaravati, Oct 28 (NationPress) The severe cyclonic storm Montha has initiated its landfall process close to Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday evening.
Recent data indicates that this landfall is set to persist for approximately 3-4 hours, according to an IMD bulletin.
At the moment of landfall, wind speeds are expected to reach between 90-110 km per hour.
As a result of Montha, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated across coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, south Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
The IMD has urged residents to remain indoors for safety and to stay updated through official channels.
The cyclone's impact is projected to be severe in regions such as Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and the Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions of the Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh.
The state government has mandated a halt to all vehicular traffic in these seven districts from 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have been directed to suspend traffic on all roadways, including national highways traversing these districts, with the exception of emergency medical services.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid going outside, and maintain vigilance.
The cyclone is expected to influence 403 mandals across 22 districts statewide. Authorities have established 488 control rooms in mandals to manage the emergency situation.
A total of 1,204 relief camps have been set up, with 75,802 individuals evacuated to these facilities.
The IMD has issued a red alert for coastal districts, which are also at risk of flash floods.
A storm surge of about one meter above the astronomical tide is anticipated along the coastline, potentially flooding low-lying areas.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Nellore, Konaseema, and Kakinada districts.
High tidal waves have caused damage to the Uppada-Kakinada beach road, leading to its closure for traffic.
Fishermen are advised against venturing into the sea for five days, and all coastal activities have been suspended, including public access to beaches.
A great danger signal number 10 has been raised at Kakinada Port, indicating a severe cyclone threat.
Additionally, a great danger signal number nine has been issued at the ports of Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kalingapatnam, and Bheemunipatnam.
Lastly, a great danger signal eight has been flagged at the ports of Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Vadarevu.