Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh:
Heavy rain lashed Srikakulam and nearby coastal regions early Tuesday morning as Cyclone Montha approached the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coastline. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclonic system, which has intensified over the Bay of Bengal, is likely to make landfall within the next 24 hours between Kalingapatnam and Gopalpur.
According to IMD officials, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 80 to 100 kmph. Early morning showers on Tuesday caused widespread waterlogging in parts of Srikakulam town, Amadalavalasa, and Narasannapeta, disrupting vehicular movement and affecting morning commuters.
Local residents reported that strong winds uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles in several areas, leading to temporary power outages. Municipal authorities have deployed emergency response teams to clear fallen trees and restore basic services. The district administration has also opened control rooms to monitor the situation round-the-clock.
District Collector S. Venkateswarlu urged residents in low-lying and coastal villages to remain indoors and avoid venturing near the sea. “All fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Evacuation measures are in place for families living in vulnerable coastal belts,” he said.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been stationed in strategic locations to assist in rescue and relief operations. Medical teams and relief materials, including food packets and drinking water, have been stocked at cyclone shelters.
In addition, the state government has coordinated with power, roads, and revenue departments to ensure quick restoration of essential services once the cyclone crosses the coast. Heavy machinery has been moved to key junctions for immediate clearance of debris if necessary.
Meteorologists have warned that the region could experience intense rainfall over the next 48 hours, which might lead to flash floods and damage to standing crops. Farmers in coastal mandals have been asked to secure their agricultural produce and livestock. The IMD has also issued red alerts for Srikakulam and orange alerts for neighboring districts.
Meanwhile, bus and train services were temporarily affected as water accumulated on major roads connecting Srikakulam to Visakhapatnam and Palasa. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has advised passengers to check schedules before traveling.
Residents took to social media to share visuals of flooded streets and stormy skies, expressing concern over the rising water levels. However, officials assured that all precautionary measures were being implemented to minimize the impact of the cyclone.
As Cyclone Montha inches closer to landfall, the administration continues to appeal for public cooperation and adherence to safety advisories. The IMD is closely tracking the cyclone’s movement and will issue updated bulletins as conditions evolve.
