Pawan Kalyan Orders Full Preparedness as Cyclone Montha Nears Kakinada Coast

As Cyclone Montha approaches the Kakinada coast, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed all departments to remain on high alert and take every precaution to safeguard lives and property. The cyclone is expected to make landfall tomorrow, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall across 12 mandals in Kakinada district.

During a video conference with District In-charge Minister P. Narayana, Collector Shaan Mohan, SP Bindu Madhav, and other officials, Pawan Kalyan reviewed the preparedness and issued detailed instructions for rescue and relief operations. He emphasized that saving lives is the top priority, urging officials to relocate residents from vulnerable coastal villages to safe shelters immediately.

The Deputy CM announced that 260 rehabilitation centers have been identified and stocked with food, water, milk, and medicines. He directed that special care be provided to pregnant women, new mothers, the elderly, and the sick, ensuring their safe evacuation and medical support. Ambulances and emergency services are on standby, and hospital capacities have been increased to handle potential emergencies.

To ensure quick response, control rooms have been established at the mandal level with public helplines. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed across key locations, while swimmers and rescue personnel have been stationed near low-lying areas. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, and fishing boats are being secured.

Pawan Kalyan also instructed the power department to prepare for possible damage and ensure speedy restoration, while satellite phones will be used if communication networks fail. The police have been tasked with securing evacuated areas, and the irrigation department has been told to monitor tanks and embankments, keeping sandbags ready for emergencies.

To support relief work, the state government has released ₹19 crore, including ₹1 crore for Kakinada district. Concluding the meeting, Pawan Kalyan urged officials to remain vigilant until the cyclone passes, ensuring swift, coordinated, and compassionate action across all departments.