SDRF and NDRF teams have already been deployed in the coastal districts, and predictive models and real-time data are being used for accurate analysis, says Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
With the weatherman warning that Cyclone Montha will have a severe impact on Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has put the entire administrative machinery on high alert.
During a teleconference with the senior officials on October 26, 2025 (Sunday), Mr. Naidu reviewed the preparedness of all the departments in view of the “heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds” forecast for the coastal districts from October 27 to 29 (Monday to Wednesday).
Mr. Naidu instructed the officials to ensure there was no disruption to power supply, telecom connectivity, or drinking water systems.
Information dissemination
“Make arrangements to prevent loss of life or damage to property. The cyclone is likely to have a major impact between Machilipatnam and Kakinada. Information and alert systems must be kept fully operational to continuously update and warn the people. Alerts should be sent through SMS, social media, IVRS calls, and WhatsApp. Ensure that information from the village level reaches the State control room in real time,” the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Naidu said the SDRF and NDRF teams had already been deployed in the coastal districts, and that predictive models and real-time data were being used for accurate analysis. “All irrigation projects and reservoirs should be closely monitored for water levels, and corrective action taken immediately,” he said.
Mr. Naidu said 27,000 cell towers across the State had been backed up with diesel generators to maintain communication network. “Ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services. Shift residents in coastal areas to the cyclone shelters immediately. Depending on the storm’s severity, the district Collectors may declare holidays to educational institutions,” the Chief Minister said.
He further directed that the roads, canals, and tank bunds damaged by erosion be repaired without delay. All sub-divisions must keep power saws, cranes, and JCBs ready for clearing fallen trees or debris, he said, adding that drones could be used to assist in the rescue and relief operations.
Mr. Naidu further instructed the Agriculture and RTG departments to work in tandem to assess crop damage accurately.
‘Ensure safe return of fishermen’
Mr. Naidu directed the authorities to ensure the safe return of the fishermen onboard 82 mechanised and 37 motorised boats.
The Chief Minister said special officers had been appointed for each district to coordinate cyclone response measures and ensure inter-departmental cooperation. “It is the duty of the government machinery to safeguard the lives, property, and essential infrastructure of the people,” the Chief Minister asserted.
The officials informed the Chief Minister that 11 review meetings had already been conducted on cyclone preparedness and 851 JCBs and 757 cranes and power saws kept ready across the State.
Published – October 26, 2025 07:14 pm IST
