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Visakhapatnam, October 28 (IANS) Major danger signal number 10 was hoisted at Kakinada port on Tuesday as the severe cyclone ‘Montha’ in the Bay of Bengal moved towards Andhra Pradesh coast.
As the cyclone approached the coast, the Cyclone Warning Centre, Visakhapatnam directed officials to change the danger signal seven to 10 at Kakinada port.
The port is most commonly issued a danger signal 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.
According to Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), Cyclonic Storm Montha over west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclone and moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 12 kmph during the last six hours. It is centered about 160 km from Machilipatnam, 240 km from Kakinada and 320 km from Visakhapatnam.
The system is being continuously monitored from the control room of the Disaster Management Authority.
The severe cyclone is likely to cross the coast between Kakinada and Machilipatnam tonight. While crossing the coast, strong cyclonic winds blow at a speed of 90-110 km per hour. Under its influence, extremely heavy rainfall is likely from Srikakulam to Nellore, with very heavy rainfall in some areas.
APSDMA has advised people to stay safe indoors.
IMD has issued red alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places over Srikakulam, Parvatipuram, Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anakapalle, Kakinada-Yanam, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, a bulletin said. Palanadu, Bapatla and Prakasam districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore, Tirupati, Annamayya, YSR Cuddapah and Nandyal districts, Yanam and Rayalaseema in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high wave alert for coastal districts.
It predicted high waves in the range of 3 – 4.7 metres. INCOIS has advised small vessels not to go near the shore and to suspend recreational activities. Erosion/wave surge is possible under the influence of cyclone.
–IANS
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