Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered officials to warn people about the extremely severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal and movement of Cyclone Montha. He ordered that weather alerts be made available via SMS, social media, IVRS calling, and WhatsApp. The CM stressed that updates should touch villages promptly to enable people to prepare early.
To avoid any communication problems, diesel generators have been installed at 27,000 mobile towers throughout the state. The CM also suggested that drones be utilized in delivering relief and monitoring activities effectively.
Chandrababu Naidu spoke about the cyclone situation during a Sunday morning review meeting with officials. The storm may become a severe cyclone by October 28 and make a landfall near Kakinada, according to forecasts. Heavy to very heavy rain and gusty winds are expected in coastal districts, he cautioned.
The CM instructed measures to be taken to reduce loss of lives and property. He assured that SDRF and NDRF teams have already been deployed along coastal areas. Reservoir water level monitoring continuously along with real-time data analysis was also stressed.
Chandrababu emphasized that power, telecommunication, and supply of drinking water should not be interrupted. The population residing in vulnerable coastal areas should be shifted to safe housing. Immediate repair is to be done if roads, ponds, or canal embankments get damaged.
Electric saws, cranes, and JCBs of each division should be made ready to clear fallen trees and open choked routes at the earliest.
The Chief Minister directed the Agriculture Department and RTGS to work closely together while evaluating the damage to crops. He added that 82 mechanized boats and 37 motorized boats that ventured into the sea would be safely retrieved ashore.
District special officers have been designated at the district level for cyclone management. The CM reiterated that all departments had to coordinate and work together while preventing casualties and property damage.
Officials updated the CM that 11 meetings have already been held for cyclone preparedness review. Emergency vehicles have been made available for movement on national highways. In the state, 851 JCBs, cranes, and 757 electric saws have been deployed to address emergencies in a timely manner.
