As Cyclone Montha intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), led by Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, convened on Saturday to assess preparedness and strategize a coordinated response. The primary objective is to ensure zero loss of life and minimize damage to property and infrastructure.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been providing regular updates on the cyclone's trajectory and intensity. As of Saturday, the cyclone was located approximately 950 km east-southeast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and is expected to move west-northwest, intensifying into a deep depression and subsequently a cyclonic storm. It is projected to make landfall over the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.
In anticipation of the cyclone's impact, authorities are taking extensive precautionary measures. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal from October 26-29. Those currently at sea have been advised to return to the coast immediately. More than 900 ships have been shepherded to shore.
The Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha briefed the NCMC on the preparatory measures undertaken to protect the population in the cyclone's expected path. Adequate shelters and evacuation arrangements have been made, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby. District control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation continuously. The NDRF has kept teams in readiness and will be mobilized by October 26, with additional teams on standby. Rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, along with their ships and aircrafts, are also prepared for deployment.
Andhra Pradesh is also on high alert. Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed Kakinada district officials to be vigilant and prepared for any emergencies. He emphasized the vulnerability of coastal constituencies like Tuni, Pithapuram, Kakinada Rural and Urban, and Thallarevu mandal. Public awareness and timely updates are being prioritized to ensure the safety of residents in at-risk coastal villages. Cyclone shelters are being stocked with essential supplies like food, milk, and medicines. Special instructions have been issued to various departments, including revenue, agriculture, irrigation, police, fire services, and disaster response teams, to maintain close coordination. Enhanced precautions are in place for coastal erosion-prone areas near Uppada.
District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad has placed officials in Vizag, ASR, and Anakapalli districts on high alert, canceling leaves. Control rooms are being established at district and divisional levels to coordinate emergency response and ensure the availability of essential commodities. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, the elderly, and those requiring immediate medical assistance are being given special attention. Alternative arrangements are being made for pregnant women. Authorities are also focusing on the Agency areas. Restoration work for any damaged roads or disrupted transportation will begin immediately. Continuous monitoring of reservoirs and canals is underway, and protective materials are being kept ready in areas prone to breaches. Police are restricting movement across overflowing streams and culverts.
