Cyclone ‘Montha’ landfall likely near Andhra’s Kakinada: OTV takes stock at ground zero

On early Monday morning, Cyclone Montha  intensified further over the Bay of Bengal and inched closer to the coast, prompting both the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha governments to go on high alert.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to make landfall near Kakinada late on October 28, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, with winds likely to reach severe cyclonic storm intensity.

Ground Zero: Kakinada Under Strict Watch

An OTV ground report from Kakinada showed that authorities have sealed off major tourist locations and beaches as a preventive measure.

At Suryaraopet beach, once bustling with visitors, the shore now stands completely deserted. Barricades have been erected several hundred metres away, while police patrols are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance.

Sources reported that security personnel were using loudspeakers to warn people against approaching the sea. Morning walkers were asked to return home, and no civilian movement is allowed near the waterline. Warning banners have also been placed along the coastline as waves continue to grow rougher with each passing hour.

Andhra Pradesh Declares School Holiday

In view of the deteriorating weather, the Andhra Pradesh government has declared two-day holidays for educational institutions in Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and West Godavari districts starting October 27.

District collectors have also activated emergency response teams and advised fishermen to remain inland until further notice.

ALSO READ: Cyclone ‘Montha’: Odisha govt orders closure of Anganwadi Centres, beaches in multiple districts

Odisha On High Alert

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has issued a red alert across eight southern districts of Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal, anticipating heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flash floods once the cyclone crosses land.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that 128 rescue and response units have been deployed across these regions, including 24 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 99 Fire Services units, to tackle potential emergencies such as flooding, road blockages, and infrastructure damage.