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Amaravati, October 28 (IANS) India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday night that severe cyclonic storm Monta in the Bay of Bengal has started making landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.
The latest observations indicate that the landslide process has started and will continue for the next 3-4 hours, the IMD said in a bulletin.
The maximum wind speed at the time of landfall is likely to be 90-110 kmph.
Under the influence of Month, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, South Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
IMD has appealed to people to stay indoors and follow official updates to stay safe.
The impact of the cyclone is likely to be severe in Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions of Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts of Andhra Pradesh.
The state government has ordered to stop the movement of all vehicles in these seven districts from 8.30 pm on Tuesday to 6 am on Wednesday.
District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have been instructed to stop traffic on all types of roads, including national highways, passing through these districts. However, exemption is given only for emergency medical services.
The government has advised all residents of these districts to stay indoors, not go out and remain alert.
The cyclone is likely to affect 403 divisions in 22 districts across the state. Authorities have set up 488 control rooms in the divisions to deal with the emergency.
The government has set up a total of 1,204 relief camps and 75,802 people have been evacuated to these camps.
The IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal districts, which are also facing the threat of floods.
There is also a possibility of storm surge on the coast about one meter above astronomical tide, which could lead to flooding of low-lying areas.
Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Nellore, Konaseema and Kakinada districts are experiencing heavy rains along with strong winds.
High tidal waves have damaged the Uppada-Kakinada beach road. Officials closed the road to traffic.
Fishermen have been advised not to go into the sea for five days. All activities on the coast have been suspended. Authorities have closed the beaches to tourists.
Major danger signal number 10 was hoisted at Kakinada port. The Great Danger Signal is the highest danger signal issued to a port during severe cyclones.
Major danger signal number nine was hoisted at Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kalingapatnam and Bheemunipatnam ports.
Major danger signal eight was hoisted at Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Krishnapatnam and Vadarevu ports.
–IANS
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