Hyderabad: Cyclone Montha has made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting authorities to take extensive safety measures. A red alert is in effect from Nellore to Srikakulam districts as the cyclone, which intensified from a depression over the Bay of Bengal, brings heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region.

As of Monday evening, the cyclone was located approximately 560 km off Visakhapatnam and is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 110 kmph, as it approaches the coast near Kakinada on the evening of October 28.

In preparation for the cyclone, all government employees' leaves have been cancelled, and control centres of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) have been activated. Cyclone shelters have been established across 57 coastal mandals, and 62 mechanized boats have been brought back to shore. Tourist activities along the coast have been suspended, and educational institutions in affected districts will remain closed until Wednesday.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed authorities to take zero-risk measures, especially in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. He has urged residents to stay indoors and remain alert until further notice. Minister for Disaster Management Nara Lokesh is coordinating the response efforts, ensuring that municipal bodies operate 24/7 control rooms and maintain communication.

Relief centres have been set up, with food, milk, and water supplies prepared for 2–3 days. Approximately 364 schools are designated as shelters, and over 14,000 schools have been given precautionary holidays. All beaches are closed, and fishermen are prohibited from going to sea.

The situation is being monitored continuously, with 11 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 12 SDRF teams on standby for rescue and evacuation operations. The Real Time Governance Centre (RTGS) is tracking rainfall, wind, and other critical data to ensure a swift response to the cyclone's impact.