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As Cyclone Montha gathers strength over the Bay of Bengal, both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert, bracing for heavy rains, strong winds, and possible
coastal damage. The cyclonic system, which has been moving steadily west-northwestwards, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the evening or night of October 28.
Odisha Gears Up With 128 Teams on Ground
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday to assess the state’s preparedness. He confirmed that as many as 128 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire Services have been deployed across eight vulnerable districts.
“The districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, likely to be the most affected, have been placed under the Red Zone category,” Pujari said. He added that all 30 districts, including those outside the red zone, have been instructed to remain vigilant in case the cyclone alters its path.
According to the minister, the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has been moving west-northwestwards at a speed of around 6 kmph over the past six hours, and is expected to strengthen further as it nears the coast.
Andhra Pradesh Declares Red Alert and School Holidays
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for seven coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh — Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore. Authorities have warned of extremely heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough sea conditions in these areas from Monday.
In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has declared holidays for all educational institutions till Wednesday. Fishing and related marine activities have been suspended, and beach tourism has been shut down as a safety measure.
Cyclone Montha: When Will It Land?
Cyclone Montha is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall near Kakinada on October 28. IMD officials have urged residents in low-lying coastal areas to remain indoors, avoid venturing near the sea, and follow evacuation advisories issued by local authorities.With emergency teams on standby and both states stepping up disaster management measures, the next 48 hours will be crucial as India’s eastern coast braces for the impact of Cyclone Montha.
(inputs from news agencies)
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