As Cyclone Montha makes landfall, Lokesh warns against venturing near beaches or taking videos

Amaravati: “Avoid stepping out or taking videos near beaches currently. Conditions are expected to become critical from 11:30 pm,” said Minister Nara Lokesh, urging the public to remain cautious as Cyclone Montha intensifies.

The landfall process has started between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatanam, around Kakinada, as a severe cyclone with gale winds of speed 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. It will take 3 to 4 hours to cross fully.

Preventing loss of life is a priority

Around 40 lakh people across Andhra Pradesh are expected to be affected by Cyclone Montha, which continues to batter the coastal regions of the state. The districts of Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore have been identified as the most severely hit and placed under red alert.

Speaking to reporters from the RTGS Command Control Centre at the Secretariat, Lokesh said the State government’s top priority is to prevent loss of life. “We are implementing strict measures under the directions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu,” he stated.

1,906 shelters set up; CM holds 12 review meetings

The Chief Minister has been personally overseeing the cyclone response since October 23, conducting 12 reviews via meetings, teleconferences and video conferences, even during his travel to and from the UAE.

Lokesh said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Chief Minister, assuring full Central support and assistance.

“So far, we have evacuated residents from 1,328 vulnerable villages to safer locations. About 3,465 pregnant women have been shifted to care centres and are being provided with nutritious food and essential supplies,” Lokesh said. The state has also established 1,906 temporary shelters equipped with sanitation supplies, including bleaching powder and lime.

NDRF, SDRF and Army on standby

The government has declared holidays for 14,798 schools and converted 364 schools into rehabilitation centres. Fishing activities are banned until October 29, with prohibitory orders in force along the coast.

“A total of 11 NDRF teams, 12 SDRF teams, and reserve units are ready for deployment. The Army is also on standby in Hyderabad. About 145 tree-cutting teams have been deployed, while 325 medical camps and 876 rapid response teams are prepared for emergency services,” Lokesh added.

Power and road restoration on a war footing

Post-cyclone restoration remains a key focus.

Lokesh said the government has prepared 11,347 electricity poles, 1,210 transformers and 772 restoration teams to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, particularly to hospitals. In the R&B sector, 7,289 JCBs, cranes and vehicles are ready to restore damaged roads.

Preventive steps, based on lessons from Cyclone Titli, have been implemented.

Over 1,037 diesel generators have been sent to affected areas, while telecom companies like Airtel and Jio have readied DG sets for cell towers to maintain network connectivity.

No vehicles on highways

Vehicle movement has been suspended from 8:30 pm on Tuesday to 6 am on Wednesday on national highways and roads across the cyclone-affected districts in Andhra Pradesh. Only emergency medical services will be allowed during this period.

Officials have directed heavy vehicles on national highways to halt operations from 7 pm and park safely at designated locations. The Disaster Management Authority has urged the public to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

The cyclone is expected to severely impact the districts of Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, ASR (Alluri Sitarama Raju), and the Chintur and Rampachodavaram divisions.

Real-Time Monitoring from RTGS

Lokesh said collectors have been allocated funds for relief operations and that real-time data is being monitored through the RTGS Aware platform, integrating disaster management, relief and rehabilitation updates.

“The Chief Minister is holding teleconferences every two hours and personally tracking developments. As soon as the cyclone completes landfall, we will begin relief and rehabilitation on a war footing, using drones and low-flying vehicles to assess damage in real time,” Lokesh said.

Ministers and MLAs on ground duty

All ministers, MLAs and MPs have been directed to remain on the ground and coordinate relief operations. Lokesh said he and the Home Minister have been in constant touch with local representatives to address emerging issues.

“Power Minister Gottipati Ravi and others are in the affected districts, monitoring operations. We are fully alert and not taking any chances,” he said.

Government fully prepared

Lokesh emphasised that all departments are working in coordination and that real-time information is being shared with the Prime Minister’s Office, which is also monitoring the situation. “This is not the time for politics. Our only focus is protecting lives and restoring normalcy,” he said.

“The Chief Minister’s experience in handling cyclones like Konaseema (1996), Hudhud and Titli has been invaluable. We are prepared on every front and ready to respond immediately once the cyclone passes,” Lokesh added.