Indian authorities are taking significant measures to protect citizens as Cyclone Montha approaches the eastern coast. Schools have been closed and tens of thousands of residents are being evacuated from low-lying coastal areas in anticipation of the storm’s impact, expected to make landfall later today near the port city of Kakinada in southern Andhra Pradesh.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Montha as a severe cyclonic storm, currently positioned approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) southeast of Machilipatnam. The storm is predicted to gain strength, with wind speeds anticipated to reach between 90 km/h and 110 km/h (55-68 mph) as it approaches the eastern coastline. The IMD has issued red alerts for 19 districts in Andhra Pradesh, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall.
In response to the cyclone’s threat, disaster management teams in Andhra Pradesh have evacuated around 38,000 people from vulnerable areas to relief camps. State officials estimate that approximately 4 million people reside in regions likely to be affected by the cyclone. To facilitate the evacuations, the state government has established 1,906 relief camps and 364 school shelters across 1,238 vulnerable villages. Nara Lokesh, the state’s minister for communications, confirmed these efforts in a recent social media update.
As part of the emergency preparedness measures, schools and colleges in the affected areas have been ordered to remain closed until Wednesday. Fishermen have also been advised against venturing into the sea. Travel disruptions have been reported, with partial interruptions to train and flight services on Tuesday.
The neighboring state of Odisha is also facing the cyclone’s impact. The local administration has begun relocating around 32,000 people from at-risk areas to designated relief camps.
Climate scientists warn that severe storms are becoming more frequent in South Asia, with global warming contributing to their increasing intensity and unpredictability. Although India’s eastern coasts have historically been prone to cyclones, the frequency of intense storms has risen dramatically. In 2023, India experienced its deadliest cyclone season in recent years, resulting in the deaths of 523 people and causing an estimated $2.5 billion in damages.
As the nation braces for Cyclone Montha, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those in vulnerable areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as the storm progresses.
