'Severe' Cyclone Montha Impact: 3,778 Andhra Villages on Rain Alert as CM Issues Emergency Warning

Coastal Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Montha, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025, with sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has issued an emergency warning, stating that the impact of Cyclone Montha will be severe, with 3,778 villages across 338 mandals expected to receive heavy rainfall. He urged residents to stay alert and assured that real-time voice alerts and public address systems have been set up across 26 districts.

The IMD has warned of rough sea conditions along the Andhra coast from Nellore to Srikakulam, with waves likely to rise between 2 and 4.7 meters. Coastal areas including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Tirupati, and Chittoor have been placed on high alert.

In response to the impending cyclone, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken several precautionary measures:

• Evacuation: Nearly 50,000 people from low-lying areas have been moved to relief camps. Evacuations have focused on coastal villages, with priority given to pregnant women and senior citizens.
• Relief Camps: The state has established 3,174 rehabilitation centers stocked with essential supplies. According to officials, 2,194 relief camps have been opened.
• Emergency Services: Nine State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in several districts for potential relief operations. 11 NDRF and 12 SDRF teams are on standby across Andhra Pradesh, equipped with boats, life jackets, and medical kits. Emergency ambulance networks (108 and 104) are fully operational.
• Transportation: The South Central Railway has announced partial cancellation, rescheduling, and restoration of several train services. IndiGo and Air India Express flights from Vizag airport have been cancelled as a precautionary measure.
• Control Rooms: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has activated control rooms to function round the clock. Control rooms have been established at Chittoor, Nellore, Kakinada, Bapatla, Guntur, and YSR Kadapa.

The cyclone's impact is already being felt in the region. Heavy rains and strong winds have lashed coastal Andhra Pradesh, with reports of flooding in parts of Nellore district. Nellore has received an average of 5 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, with some areas recording up to 8 cm. Chennai has also experienced heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging in some areas.

Neighboring states are also taking precautions. The Odisha government has geared up for the evacuation of people from vulnerable places in eight southern districts. Northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, is expected to receive heavy rainfall.

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Jharkhand until October 31 due to the cyclone's influence.

Authorities are advising people to remain indoors and to move to relief camps if they live in coastal areas likely to be affected. Residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates and government advisories.