With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for Cyclone Montha, the Andhra Pradesh government has gone into full alert mode to tackle the potential impact. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who returned from his UAE tour on Saturday, held a teleconference with all district collectors, superintendents of police, and senior officials, instructing them to stay prepared for any eventuality.

“The government’s top priority is to ensure there is no loss of life or property,” the Chief Minister asserted. Citing IMD forecasts, he said the cyclone is likely to make landfall near Kakinada on the evening of October 28 as a severe storm, accompanied by wind speeds ranging between 90 and 110 kmph. The cyclone is expected to affect areas stretching from Srikakulam to Tirupati, with heavy rainfall between 80 to 100 mm anticipated over the next few days.

Naidu directed all district collectors to prepare district-specific action plans and ensure that relief measures can be launched immediately when required. He emphasized public safety, urging authorities to educate coastal communities about the cyclone’s severity and to begin evacuating vulnerable residents to safer locations and rehabilitation centres. Collectors have been authorized to declare holidays for educational institutions depending on local conditions.

The Chief Minister also instructed irrigation officials to closely monitor water levels in all major and medium reservoirs and to release water scientifically to prevent flooding. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are being deployed in advance to the likely affected regions to carry out rescue and relief operations. Special medical services, including a “Hospital on Wheels,” will be stationed in Kakinada to provide emergency healthcare support.

Naidu called for coordinated efforts among the Roads and Buildings, Electricity, Irrigation, Municipal, and Panchayat Raj departments to ensure seamless disaster management. He directed officials to maintain uninterrupted supply of essential services such as drinking water, electricity, mobile connectivity, and distribution of daily necessities.

Special in-charge officers have been appointed for cyclone-affected districts to oversee on-ground relief and restoration efforts. “Every minute counts when it comes to saving lives. Let us act swiftly, systematically, and with complete coordination,” the Chief Minister said, wrapping up the high-level review meeting.