Naidu orders coastal evacuations, vows zero casualties as Cyclone Montha nears

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to immediately evacuate residents of coastal areas vulnerable to Cyclone Montha to designated rehabilitation centres.

He later held a teleconference with District Collectors, SPs, and senior officials to review the State’s preparedness for the approaching cyclone. Emphasising that the storm’s intensity is expected to increase from Tuesday, the Chief Minister instructed officials to step up public awareness campaigns and precautionary measures.

Mr. Naidu ordered that quality food and medical services be ensured at all relief centres and that officers-in-charge be appointed to oversee coordination. He directed that real-time data from the RTGS system be continuously monitored and that tanks, canals, and bunds be secured against breaches. He also called for constant checking of drainage systems to prevent water stagnation and appealed to citizens to remain indoors until the storm passes.

Directing district administrations to take preventive measures against possible landslides in hilly regions such as Vijayawada, Mangalagiri, and Visakhapatnam, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh’s preparedness and response model for Cyclone Montha should serve as a benchmark for managing future natural disasters.

Mr. Naidu underscored the need to protect drinking water sources from contamination and to maintain emergency medical services in all vulnerable regions. He also ordered that schools and educational institutions in affected districts remain closed until conditions improve, asserting that no loss of life or property should occur under any circumstances.

He stressed that District Collectors must assume full responsibility for supervising relief and rescue operations and urged officials to mobilise volunteers to support administrative efforts. “The entire government machinery should work with dedication to effectively face Cyclone Montha,” he said, warning officials against complacency.