Cyclone Montha approaches: Andhra Pradesh gears up with massive relief plan

The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared an extensive action plan for relief and essential supplies in anticipation of Cyclone Montha, which is expected to make landfall along the state’s coast between Machilipatnam (Krishna district) and Kalingapatnam (Srikakulam district) near Kakinada (East Godavari district) on October 28 evening, according to the Meteorological Department.

Currently located about 780 km east-southeast of Chennai, 830 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 830 km southeast of Kakinada, and 930 km south-southeast of Gopalpur, the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to move northwestwards, then north-northwestwards, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28, with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph along the coast. Very heavy rainfall is likely in several districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Pre-Cyclone preparedness measures

State Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar outlined that the action plan covers stock positioning of Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities, fuel inventory management, paddy procurement, food supply to relief shelters, and post-cyclone relief distribution. Food grains have been supplied to all fair price shops in coastal areas, and sufficient stocks are already placed at Mandal Level Stock Points (MLSPs). As of October 26, 40 per cent of stock movement has been completed in coastal districts, and Global Positioning System (GPS) exemptions have been granted for second-stage food grain movement upon requests from district collectors.

On fuel preparedness, Manohar instructed state nodal officers and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to fully stock petrol, diesel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) outlets in vulnerable districts. District collectors have been directed to coordinate with OMCs to ensure diesel availability for power backup at telecom towers, control rooms, hospitals, and cyclone shelters in the event of disruptions.

Support for farmers and crop protection

Paddy procurement is expected to start in full scale during the first week of November, but procurement centres will open immediately wherever farmers arrive with harvested paddy, providing timely relief. Approximately 1,500 mills have been tagged to Rythu Service Kendras (RSKs) in coastal districts to provide drying space for wet paddy and to avoid penalising farmers for high moisture content due to adverse weather. Additionally, 50,000 tarpaulins, sandbags, and plastic sheets have been pre-positioned at RSKs for crop protection.

District collectors are authorised to draw essential commodities from MLSPs for food preparation in cyclone shelters and disaster camps, with expenditures adjustable under Treasury Rule (TR)-27. For post-cyclone relief, sufficient stock has been maintained at MLSPs to supply affected populations according to scales set by the Disaster Management Department.

Warnings and safety advisories

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh on October 27. APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain advised that people and fishermen should not venture out as conditions are expected to worsen. Fishermen are specifically urged to keep boats anchored and avoid the sea until the cyclone passes. The Met Department has confirmed that Cyclone Montha is likely to strengthen further within 24 hours.

Implications for coastal communities, Agriculture, and Infrastructure

Coastal communities are at risk of flooding, waterlogging, and displacement, particularly in low-lying villages near Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Kalingapatnam. Fishing livelihoods are likely to be disrupted temporarily. Agriculture, including paddy and horticultural crops, may face significant losses if protective measures are not fully implemented, while soil erosion and saline intrusion could impact future cultivation. Critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity lines, telecom towers, and hospitals may experience disruptions due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The government’s measures including pre-positioning food, fuel, crop protection materials, and operational relief centres aim to minimise damage, protect livelihoods, and provide immediate assistance to affected families. Residents are urged to follow official instructions and take shelter in designated cyclone shelters.