Cyclone Montha, intensifying rapidly over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, on October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, which formed as a deep depression on October 26, has strengthened quickly under favorable oceanic and atmospheric conditions.
The IMD has issued red alerts for multiple coastal districts, including Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, and Eluru, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, storm surges, and gusty winds reaching up to 120 km/h.
Widespread School Closures in Coastal Andhra Pradesh
In anticipation of the cyclone’s landfall and in an effort to safeguard students and educational staff, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and anganwadi centers across the affected districts. The order, issued by respective District Collectors, mandates a five-day suspension of classes from October 27 to 31, with local authorities empowered to extend the closure based on post-cyclone conditions.
The Education Department, in coordination with the AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), has directed that all educational premises be used as temporary shelters for evacuees if required. Local officials have also ensured that school kitchens and water facilities remain operational to support relief efforts in the coming days.
Emergency Preparedness and Statewide Response
The state government has launched a multi-tier preparedness strategy, focusing on evacuation, power supply continuity, and essential services.
Over 10,000 personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and fire services have been deployed to the coastal belts.
State Chief Secretary and the Special Commissioner of Disaster Management are monitoring district-level control rooms to ensure real-time coordination. The government has also set up 24×7 emergency helplines, while the Energy Department has activated rapid response teams to handle power restoration after landfall.
Hospitals across Kakinada, Rajahmundry, and Amalapuram have been placed on high alert, with backup generators, fuel reserves, and medical stockpiles ensured to handle emergencies. Officials confirmed that ambulance networks and relief transport vehicles have been stationed in strategic zones.
IMD Forecast and Expected Impact
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, Cyclone Montha is likely to bring extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm across East and West Godavari districts, accompanied by storm surges of 0.5–1.5 meters in coastal low-lying regions.
Wind speeds in the landfall zone are projected between 100–120 km/h, potentially leading to damage to kutcha houses, uprooting of trees, and power disruptions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and those already out in deep waters have been instructed to return to the nearest coast immediately.
The IMD has further warned of flash floods in inland districts, particularly in the Godavari and Krishna delta regions, due to the convergence of heavy rain and tidal surges.
Relief Shelters and Evacuation Measures
District administrations have begun precautionary evacuations from vulnerable coastal villages. Temporary relief shelters equipped with drinking water, sanitation, food packets, and first-aid facilities have been established across high-risk zones.
Special arrangements have been made for pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, ensuring safe transportation to cyclone shelters and community halls.
In Kakinada and Konaseema, panchayat-level volunteers are coordinating with village secretariats to maintain contact with families in low-lying areas and assist with evacuation logistics.
The Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation and Civil Supplies Department have been instructed to maintain uninterrupted food grain distribution and LPG supply, particularly in isolated regions where transport routes could be affected.
Coordination with District and Central Agencies
To streamline the cyclone response, the Andhra Pradesh government has coordinated with IMD, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Indian Navy units stationed at Visakhapatnam for technical and logistical support.
Local administrative officers have been instructed to ensure communication lines remain active, even during heavy rainfall, using satellite phones and backup radio systems. The Transport Department has suspended public transport along coastal highways and issued travel advisories against unnecessary movement between Machilipatnam and Kakinada.
Meanwhile, power utilities and road clearance teams have been placed on standby to ensure early restoration once the cyclone weakens.
Strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s Disaster Preparedness Framework
Cyclone Montha serves as another crucial test of Andhra Pradesh’s disaster management capabilities. With the IMD’s early alerts, coordinated planning, and proactive government measures, the state is well-prepared to mitigate the impact of this severe cyclonic storm.
From emergency evacuations to educational closures, each step reflects the state’s commitment to protecting lives, minimizing damage, and ensuring a swift recovery. The collective efforts of administrators, volunteers, and citizens underscore a broader goal to build a disaster-resilient Andhra Pradesh that stands prepared for future climatic challenges.