Chief Minister Chandrababu orders hourly bulletins on cyclone Montha; PM Modi assures full Central support

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to issue hourly bulletin and real-time updates on Cyclone Montha, ensuring that every development reaches the public without delay. Reviewing the situation from the Secretariat’s RTGS Command Centre, the Chief Minister said the State government’s top priority is to safeguard lives and minimize property loss.

Mr. Naidu held a high-level review meeting from the Secretariat through the RTGS Command Centre to assess the impact and preparedness for Cyclone Montha, which is steadily approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, on Monday (October 27). He also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone regarding the cyclone.

In the telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister, Mr.  Modi personally inquired about the cyclone’s impact and the State’s preparedness. The Prime Minister assured full support and cooperation from the Centre to assist Andhra Pradesh in tackling the situation effectively. Mr. Naidu entrusted Minister Nara Lokesh with the responsibility of coordinating directly with the PMO to streamline relief and rehabilitation efforts.

During the review, the Chief Minister instructed that no interruption should occur in information flow and communication networks. To ensure this, he ordered the deployment of satellite phones and additional mobile towers, and directed officials to keep 3,211 generators ready across 110 mandals for power backup at 2,707 village and ward secretariats identified as cyclone-prone.

Mr. Naidu emphasized that preventing loss of life is the government’s foremost goal and ordered the evacuation of coastal residents to relief camps, with 25 kg of rice and essential commodities to be distributed to each family.

Relief and safety measures

The Chief Minister instructed that NDRF and SDRF teams remain on standby, and that the Fire Services, Electricity, Roads and Buildings, and Panchayat Raj departments stay fully alert. Officials were told to act swiftly to restore infrastructure in case of road breaches, fallen trees, or power line damage. He directed that sanitation be given high priority post-cyclone to prevent disease outbreaks, and that 108 and 104 medical vehicles remain on standby, ensuring medical care for pregnant women and new mothers. Hospitals were asked to stock anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines.

Current cyclone position

Officials informed the Chief Minister that Cyclone Montha is presently 680 km southeast of Kakinada, moving at 16 km per hour towards the coast. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Krishna district, with significant rainfall likely in Guntur, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu, and West Godavari districts. The cyclone is expected to make landfall by Tuesday night. Mr. Naidu instructed that 851 JCBs and 757 power saws be stationed across vulnerable regions, with proper mapping and post-cyclone auditing. All reservoirs, tanks, and drainage systems should be maintained for smooth floodwater discharge.

Warning officials against complacency, the Chief Minister said: “Any negligence in relief duties will invite strict action. The experience from past cyclones like Hudhud, Titli, and Phailin must guide our preparedness now.”

Minister for HRD Nara Lokesh and Minister for Home Vangalapudi Anita, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, and senior officials from multiple departments participated in the review meeting.