Andhra, Odisha brace for Cyclone 'Montha'

As Cyclone 'Montha' advanced toward Indias east coast, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha were placed on high alert on Monday, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency preparedness ahead of its expected landfall on October 28.

- MPOST BUREAU

The storm, named by Thailand after a fragrant flower, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada on Monday night or Tuesday morning. The weather system, moving at a speed of 18 km per hour, was located about 560 km off Visakhapatnam as of Monday evening, according to Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain.

“Cyclone 'Montha' is likely to cross the Andhra coast near Kakinada as a severe cyclonic storm during the evening or night of October 28,” Jain said, adding that coastal areas have already begun experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu earlier in the day enquiring about the state's readiness to face the cyclone.

"The Prime Minister has assured all necessary support from the Centre to Andhra Pradesh to deal with the situation," Naidu said.

In a statement, the Chief Minister's Office said Naidu briefed the Prime Minister on relief and precautionary measures being implemented. Modi reportedly assured "all possible assistance" to ensure safety and swift recovery operations.