Cyclone Montha to Hit Andhra Pradesh Coast on October 28

Cyclone Montha is set to strengthen before hitting Andhra Pradesh on October 28. The state government has activated relief plans for coastal districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system, now a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, could become a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning. Landfall is expected between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada Monday evening, with winds up to 100 kmph and heavy rainfall.

State Civil Supplies Minister N Manohar said food grains, fuel, and relief supplies are being stocked. Fair price shop deliveries to coastal areas will be completed by October 26. Diesel backups are ready for hospitals, telecom towers, and cyclone shelters. Paddy procurement centers in ready-to-harvest areas will open early, with 1,500 coastal mills linked to Rythu Service Kendras instructed not to reject rain-affected crops. Tarpaulins, sandbags, and ropes are pre-positioned for crop protection.

District collectors can access Mandal-level stocks for shelters and disaster camps. Relief materials for post-cyclone distribution are already in place.

APSDMA warned of heavy to very heavy rain from October 27. “Fishermen and the public should avoid venturing out,” said Managing Director Prakhar Jain.