Scientist Praveen Kumar (Regional Meteorological Centre, Nagpur) said the Cyclonic Storm 'Montha' over southwest and adjoining areas of West central and Southeast Bay of Bengal had moved north-northwestwards
Pic/PTI
Under the influence of Cyclonic Storm 'Montha', Maharashtra's Vidarbha region is very likely to receive moderate to heavy rain between October 28 and 30, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday. It issued a 'yellow' alert along with a forecast of heavy rainfall and thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, gusty winds with speeds reaching 40-50kmph in isolated places over Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia and Nagpur.
Scientist Praveen Kumar (Regional Meteorological Centre, Nagpur) said the Cyclonic Storm 'Montha' over southwest and adjoining areas of West central and Southeast Bay of Bengal had moved north-northwestwards, reported news agency PTI.
"It is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28. Continuing to move further north-northwestwards, it is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90- 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph," he said, reported PTI.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone 'Montha' is likely to turn into a 'severe' cyclone as it will hit the coastal shores of Andhra Pradesh by Tuesday evening.
Speaking to ANI, IMD Hyderabad official GNRS Srinivasa Rao said, "It is expected to cross the coast of Andhra Pradesh by Tuesday evening or night between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around the Kakinada area. Most districts in Andhra Pradesh will experience extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds."
"We have issued an orange alert in three districts, namely Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu. All remaining northeast districts are under yellow alert," he added.
As Cyclone Montha moves closer to the eastern coast, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to take immediate action to safeguard lives and minimise damage in coastal areas.
Chief Minister instructed district collectors and superintendents of police to "shift residents of vulnerable coastal areas to rehabilitation centres without any delay". The CM emphasised the importance of ensuring high-quality food and safe drinking water at rehabilitation centres. He also ordered the appointment of special officers to oversee the functioning of these centres. "Precautions must be taken to prevent the pollution of drinking water", he said.
According to the official press release, district collectors have been tasked with taking full responsibility for cyclone relief measures, including monitoring breaches to tanks and irrigation channels.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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