Cyclone Montha landfall: Andhra, Odisha, Bengal on heavy rainfall alert; schools shut — what we know so far
The IMD said the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a “cyclonic storm” on 26 October. It will further turn into a “severe cyclonic storm” by 28 October.
Cyclone Montha is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam during the evening/night of 28 October, "as a severe cyclonic storm", the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.
The weather department said the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a "cyclonic storm" on 26 October. It will further turn into a "severe cyclonic storm" by 28 October.
Here's all you need to know about Cyclone Montha:
When and where will Cyclone Montha make landfall?
The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, about 200 km from Odisha's Malkangiri.
Is there any damage expected following the landfall?
Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the impending calamity would impact 15 districts, eight of which are likely to experience very heavy rainfall and strong winds.
IMD issues rainfall alert
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are bracing for the heavy rainfall and the possible impact of Cyclone Month.
As per the IMD forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over:
Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe: Oct 27–28
Coastal Karnataka: Oct 26–28
Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: Oct 26–30
Telangana & Odisha: Oct 27–30
Chhattisgarh: Oct 27–30
Odisha: Suresh Pujari said that the 'red warning' (take action), predicting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds (gusting up to 80kmph), was issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal and Kalahandi districts in Odisha.
West Bengal: The cyclone will also bring heavy rain in some districts of West Bengal from 28-31 October. The IMD advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast from 28-30 October, and asked all those already in the waters to return by 27 October.
Light to moderate rain is expected in some south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and Hooghly, from 27 October.
The IMD said that heavy rainfall is likely to occur in the north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur, and Malda between 30 October and 31 October.
What action has Odisha taken to mitigate cyclone's impact?
The Odisha government on Sunday put all 30 districts on alert. The IMD has issued a red alert for five Odisha districts - Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam - and orange and yellow alerts for several other districts.
The minister said that as a precautionary measure, the Odisha government has deployed over 5,000 highly skilled personnel in 24 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF)—five from NDRF and 99 Fire Service teams in these eight districts.
He said all the districts of the state have been directed to get ready with men and machinery for rescue operations, if at all Cyclone Montha changes its trajectory.
The minister also said people are being shifted from hilly areas "as landslides have emerged as a new challenge in Odisha."
Gajapati District Collector Madhumita said, "We have identified 139 places that are vulnerable to landslides." She said 'sadhus' living in the hills in some districts are being shifted to the plains in the wake of the cyclone, and they will complete the evacuation of people by Monday evening.
She said officials are evacuating pregnant women and elderly persons to hospitals and safe shelters. Pujari added that authorities of coastal districts are asking fishermen not to venture into the sea and urging those already in the sea to return by Sunday. They are using loudspeakers and megaphones to alert the fishermen.
Odisha schools shut, Leaves of govt employees cancelled: The administrations of nine districts in Odisha have cancelled the leaves of government employees, keeping in view the urgency of the situation. All Anganwadi centres and schools will remain closed till 30 October.
Restriction on tourist entry: The Puri administration imposed restrictions on the entry of tourists to the sea beaches on 27, 28 and 29 October in view of Cyclone Montha.
Andhra govt prepares action plan
The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared an action plan for relief and essential supplies in pre-cyclone preparedness for Cyclone Montha.
State Civil Supplies Minister N Manohar said the action plan covers stock positioning of Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities, fuel inventory management, paddy procurement steps, food supply to relief shelters and post-cyclone relief distribution.
He said, "The supply of food grains to all fair price shops in coastal areas shall be completed by October 26, and sufficient stock is already placed at Mandal Level Stock Points."
Authorities have been instructed to fully stock petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) outlets in vulnerable districts. District collectors were directed to coordinate with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to ensure diesel availability for power backup at telecom towers, control rooms, hospitals and cyclone shelters during disruptions.