Cyclone Montha Latest Updates: Severe Storm To Hit Andhra Coast Tonight; Odisha, Tamil Nadu On High Alert For Heavy Rain

Cyclone Montha is set to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast tonight with heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. Odisha and Tamil Nadu are also on high alert and evacuation operations have begun.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Cyclone Montha grew into a severe cyclone storm over the Bay of Bengal. The system will land around the Andhra Pradesh coastline in the evening, causing severe rainfall and high-speed winds along the coastline. Other states such as Odisha and Tamil Nadu have also been put on a high alert.

Cyclone to Hit Andhra Coast Tonight

The IMD reports that Cyclone Montha is heading towards the northwest direction and that it is expected to be blown over the Andhra shore between Nellore and Machilipatnam. The velocity of wind can up to 100-120 kmph upon landfall. Disaster management teams have been strictly advising fishermen against coming to the sea and shifting rural people to safe locations.

Odisha and Tamil Nadu on Alert For Heavy Rain

Although the cyclone will majorly impact on Andhra Pradesh, it will also affect Odisha and the northern regions of Tamil Nadu. Within the next 24 hours, these areas will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Areas lie low and may experience waterlogging and wind strength might damage trees, power lines and houses with poor construction.

The Farmers have also been encouraged to protect crops and livestock harvested since excessive rain may result in flooding in the agricultural land. Local officials are keeping watch on rivers and reservoirs to stop overflow and potential breach.

Precautions To Stay Safe During Cyclone

Cyclone Montha is approaching landfall and it is crucial to take precautions in time.

1. Stay at home: When it is extremely windy or rains heavily, do not go outside. There should be secure doors and windows to avoid damage.
2. Have emergency supplies on hand: Have adequate drinking water and dry food, a torch, batteries, and first-aid material. Always have your mobile phone charged up in the event of power failure.
3. Go uphill in case of necessity: The residents of the coastal areas and those who are in areas where there is flood should seek shelter in specific shelters before the storm gets serious.
4. Don't believe rumors: Use official communications by the IMD, state disaster management teams, and local authorities rather than messages on the social media that can cause panic.
5. Secure your valuables: Turn off all electrical gadgets and store your valuable in waterproof bags.

NDRF, as well as state disaster response forces, are already in standby in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. The relief camps are in place and the medical teams are on call to attend to any emergencies.

Although the following hours are the most critical, the officers advised the citizens to avoid panic and act according to the safety guidelines. The entry of Cyclone Montha will be closely monitored and the updates shall be made by the IMD on the current state of affairs in the evening.