Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 28 (ANI): In the wake of Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) Montha, more than 35 flights between Shamshabad in Telangana and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Rajahmundry airports in Andhra Pradesh have been canceled, according to GMR Airports.
A total of 30 IndiGo, two Air India, and five Air India Express flights were canceled as SCS Montha approached the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), SCS Montha is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast around Kakinada on Tuesday evening or late tonight, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.
“The SCS Montha moved north-northwestwards and at 1430 hrs IST on October 28, it lay about 70 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 150 km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 250 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and 480 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha),” the IMD said in a post on X.
In anticipation of heavy rainfall in 39 constituencies across Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed ministers, MPs, and MLAs to assist people affected by the storm. Officials informed the Chief Minister that heavy rainfall is expected in Visakhapatnam, the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore districts.
Earlier today, authorities urged residents of Kothapatnam village to vacate their homes as a precautionary measure. NDRF teams have been deployed in Uppada.
NDRF Inspector Biswas said, “The team is deployed here for 24 hours. We came two days ago and visited again yesterday. In areas where evacuation is needed, we are conducting awareness campaigns. The cyclone is expected this evening. There is no need to panic. We are coordinating with the local administration and appeal to people to reach shelters and cooperate with us.”
The beach road between Kakinada and Uppada has been closed to prevent accidents after an eight-kilometer stretch was damaged earlier this morning.
Meanwhile, in Odisha, fishing boats that had sailed from Andhra Pradesh remain anchored due to Cyclone Montha. All 50 boats are docked at Gopalpur port in Ganjam district. BJP MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak said, “All arrangements have been made for the cyclone. The Odisha CM has instructed the district administration to remain on alert, and all precautionary steps have been taken.”
Tamil Nadu is also likely to witness moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in several districts, including Thoothukudi. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore for the fourth consecutive day. (ANI)
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