Severe cyclone Montha gaining strength in South India; Over 100 train services cancelled

AMARAVATI: Reports from the Indian Meteorological Department suggest that cyclone Montha, formed in the Bay of Bengal, is rapidly intensifying. As a result, heavy rains, strong winds and strong waves are expected in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh this evening or night. Montha is expected to make landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm with a speed of 100-110 kmph.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicted that waves up to 4.7 meters high will hit the Andhra coast between Nellore and Srikakulam till late Monday night. The coastal areas in these regions have already started witnessing downpours. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Department effectively started work to prevent any disaster.

The Disaster Management Department confirmed that Cyclone Montha is gaining strength at a speed of 18 kmph. Relief camps have been opened in the state. Officials say that food and medical teams have been prepared. In Odisha, over 5,000 personnel of NDRF, ODRF and fire services have been deployed in eight districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam. A red alert was sounded in Odisha. Evacuation of people began in various areas. Over 5,000 people have been shifted so far.

Around 100 train services were cancelled in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Montha. Andhra East Coast Railway cancelled 43 trains. South Central Railway authorities announced the cancellation of 54 services on October 27, 28 and 29.