New Delhi/Bhubaneswar/Kakinada: The landfall process of the Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) Montha began on Tuesday evening around 7:30 pm, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming that the storm is crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, to the south of Kakinada.
As of 9:30 pm, the IMD said the cyclone is moving northwestwards and is expected to make landfall within two hours with sustained wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. “The landfall process continues and will persist for the next two hours,” IMD stated in an update around 11:15 pm.
Evacuations and Preparedness in Odisha
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that 11,396 people have been evacuated so far, while the government aims to relocate over 30,000 residents from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. “The eight districts of South Odisha—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur—are likely to be the most affected,” CM Majhi said after a high-level review meeting.
He added, “The state government is fully prepared to deal with this situation. As always, our goal is zero casualties. We have prepared 2,040 cyclone and flood-affected shelters and deployed 30 ODRF, 123 fire brigades, and five NDRF teams, with additional teams on standby.”
Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi confirmed that fire service teams have been clearing roads and assisting in evacuation operations, ensuring that “no casualties occur due to Cyclone Montha.”
In Malkangiri district, medical authorities are taking special precautions for pregnant women. Dr. Nishant Das, Medical Officer in charge at CHC Pandripani, said, “We are relocating pregnant women expected to deliver within 15 days to Maa Gruhas (birth waiting homes). So far, we have housed 22 women, providing food, regular checkups, and round-the-clock care.”
Response and Relief in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, the government has established over 800 relief centres, while Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed ministers, MPs, and MLAs to assist affected residents. “In the backdrop of the Montha cyclone severely impacting the state, Chief Minister Naidu urged all leaders to remain vigilant and support the people,” the Andhra Pradesh CMO posted on X.
Kakinada MP Tangella, who monitored preparations on the ground, said, “Our government is fully prepared to face this cyclone. We’ve arranged 800 relief centres, deployed 1,000 electricians for emergency power restoration, and stationed 140 swimmers with boats for rescue operations. Pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals for safety.”
NDRF and Railway Measures
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Commandant Gyaneshwar Singh confirmed that 26 teams are actively deployed, with 19 on standby. “Of these, 12 are in Andhra Pradesh, six in Odisha, and three in northern Tamil Nadu. Some teams are also positioned in Telangana and Chhattisgarh,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held discussions with Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu and Odisha CM Majhi regarding post-landfall restoration. “War rooms have been activated at Divisional, Zonal, and Board levels. Teams in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur are on alert to minimize train disruptions,” Vaishnaw said.
The Indian Railways has cancelled 32 trains passing through Visakhapatnam due to safety concerns. Over 35 flights between Telangana’s Shamshabad and Andhra Pradesh airports at Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Rajahmundry have also been cancelled. These include 30 IndiGo, two Air India, and five Air India Express flights.
Zero-Casualty Goal
Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments have reiterated their commitment to a “zero-casualty” approach. CM Majhi said, “Our aim is to ensure every life is protected,” while Naidu urged citizens to stay indoors, cooperate with officials, and volunteer in relief efforts.
With Cyclone Montha continuing its landfall late into Tuesday night, authorities across India’s eastern coast remain on high alert, working to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.
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