CM Naidu Orders Hourly Alerts as Cyclone Montha Nears Andhra Coast

With Cyclone Montha approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to issue hourly updates and ensure real-time communication with the public. Reviewing preparations at the RTGS Command Centre, he said protecting lives is the government’s highest priority.

Mr. Naidu held a review meeting with senior officials and later spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assured full support from the Centre. Minister Nara Lokesh will coordinate relief work directly with the Prime Minister’s Office.

To prevent communication disruptions, satellite phones and additional mobile towers will be deployed. A total of 3,211 generators have been arranged to provide backup for 2,707 village and ward secretariats in vulnerable areas. Residents in low-lying coastal zones will be shifted to relief camps, with each family receiving 25 kg of rice and essential supplies. NDRF and SDRF teams are on standby, and key departments have been placed on high alert.

Mr. Naidu stressed quick restoration of power and roads once the cyclone passes. Emergency services will prioritize pregnant women and new mothers, and hospitals have been asked to stock anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines.

According to officials, Cyclone Montha is currently 680 km southeast of Kakinada and moving at 16 km per hour. Heavy rainfall is expected in Krishna district and is likely in Guntur, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu, and West Godavari. The cyclone may make landfall on Tuesday night. JCBs and power saws have been positioned in at-risk areas, and drains are being cleared to prevent flooding.