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Amaravati, Oct 29 (IANS) Severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ crossed Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Narasapur during midnight, causing heavy rains along with strong winds, uprooting trees and disrupting power supply.
According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the cyclone crossed the coast between 11.30 pm and 12.30 am. The rear area of the cyclone entered land on Wednesday morning.
APSDMA said in its weather update at 6.30 am on Wednesday that ‘Montha’ moved north-westwards at a speed of 10 kmph during the last six hours and weakened into a cyclonic storm.
“It is very likely to move nearly north-northwestwards over coastal Andhra Pradesh and maintain cyclonic storm intensity during next 6 hours and weaken into a deep depression during next 6 hours,” it said.
The cyclone caused heavy rain and strong winds with a speed of about 105 km per hour. Even after landfall, strong winds were blowing at a speed of 85-95 km per hour.
APSDMA has advised people in coastal Andhra to remain alert due to strong winds in the region.
Due to the cyclone, storm waves started rising on the coast. Roads were submerged by high tidal waves in Konaseema district. High waves also occurred at Uppada coast in Kakinada district. Due to strong winds, power supply was disrupted in Rajahmundry.
Coastal Andhra districts have been receiving heavy rains since Tuesday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. The main roads of Ongole city were flooded.
Due to the impact of the cyclone, Kavali received maximum rainfall of 23 cm. Ulvapadu recorded 17 cm rainfall and Chirala recorded 15 cm rainfall.
IMD has issued red alert for all districts of coastal Andhra and Telangana for Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka under the impact of the cyclone.
Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places over Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places over Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Kurnool, Nandyal, Ananthapuram and YSR Cuddapah districts.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu remained at the Real Time Governance Center at the Secretariat till 11.30 pm to review the situation.
He directed officials to remain alert throughout the night to prevent loss of life and property.
The Chief Minister held a teleconference with district collectors to review the current situation of the cyclone. He directed the ministers to visit cyclone-affected areas, interact with people and immediately implement relief measures to build confidence among them.
He stressed that after the cyclone, power supply should be immediately restored by repairing the damaged electric poles and substations. He further said that he has requested the Center to send central teams to assess the overall cyclone damage including crop loss.
–IANS
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