Cyclone Montha is pounding Andhra Pradesh with torrential rains, fierce winds, and flooding, after intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 90-100 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 110 kilometres per hour. The storm, moving north-northwestwards, is expected to make landfall near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam by this evening or night.

 

 

Heavy to very heavy rain since morning has lashed Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, and parts of Rayalaseema. An 8-kilometre beach road between Kakinada and Uppada has been damaged, while several roads are inundated, disrupting traffic.

 

 

Sea conditions remain rough, with a storm surge along the Krishna and Godavari river basins, prompting restrictions on beach access and a ban on fishing. Danger signal number seven has been hoisted at Kakinada port, with lower alerts for all other ports, putting the entire coastline on high alert.

 

 

The state government has launched massive rescue and relief operations, evacuating people from cyclone-prone villages to relief camps stocked with food and water. NDRF, SDRF, and medical teams are on the ground, while power, communication, and emergency services work around the clock. Authorities stress a zero-casualty mission as efforts continue to safeguard lives amid relentless rain and strong winds.