Cyclone Montha: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram district officials gear up

Authorities of both Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are preparing to minimize possible damage due to the impact of cyclone ‘Montha’, which is expected to cross the Kakinada coast on the night of October 28, 2025.

Also read: Cyclone Montha LIVE updates

Authorities are reluctant to take any chances this time after the heavy damage the district suffered during Hud-Hud, Titli and other hurricanes. Srikakulam district, which has a 185-km coastline from Pydibhimavaram to Ichachapuram, faces unprecedented damage from cyclones even as they cross the coast at other places like Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.

A special control room (08942-240557) has been set up at the Srikakulam Collector office to monitor sensitive areas like Palasa, Sompeta, Santabommali, Kotabommali and other areas that are part of Uddanam district known for cashew and coconut groves. Srikakulam Collector Farman Ahmed Khan held a teleconference with all officials concerned and directed them to ensure excellent coordination to deal with the crisis.

Mr Khan asked the fishermen not to swim in the sea next week as the sea will be very rough due to the impact of the cyclone.

He asked irrigation officials to monitor water flow into major rivers like Vamsadhara and Nagavali as flooding was another major challenge after the cyclone hit the coast. He instructed the authorities to shift people from low-lying areas to safer places as early as possible.

Vizianagaram Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy also held a meeting with the officials concerned to take remedial measures to minimize the damage caused by the cyclone. He asked officials of Bhogapuram and Pusapatirega mandals to be careful as more than 50 villages of these mandals are very close to the seashore. He asked agriculture officials to warn farmers to preserve existing crops.