Cyclone Montha: Danger Signal Seven Hoisted at Kakinada Port as Storm Nears Andhra Coast

Visakhapatnam — With severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ advancing rapidly toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, authorities have hoisted danger signal number seven at Kakinada Port, indicating extreme risk and preparation for potential landfall.

According to the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, danger signal number six has been issued for the Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports, while danger signal number five is in place at Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, and Krishnapatnam ports. Informational advisories have also been sent to Kalingapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, and Vadarevu ports.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Montha, over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. As of 0530 hrs IST on Tuesday, it was centered about 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 270 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 340 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 550 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha).

“The system is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, during the evening or night of October 28, as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph,” the IMD bulletin stated.

The IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada-Yanam, Konaseema, East and West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, and Prakasam.

Heavy to very heavy rain is also expected in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore, Tirupati, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, and Nandyal districts, as well as in Yanam and Rayalaseema regions.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high wave alert for coastal areas, forecasting waves between 3 and 4.7 meters. It has advised small fishing vessels to stay ashore and suspended all recreational sea activities.

Authorities have warned of possible coastal erosion and wave surges under the impact of the cyclone and are urging residents in low-lying areas to remain on high alert.

With inputs from IANS