Cyclone Montha in Vizag: Heavy rains and strong winds leave the city in tatters

Cyclone Montha has been affecting several states in Andhra Pradesh, including Vizag, with its heavy rains and strong winds, which have left several trees uprooted and electric poles collapsed.

The roads leading to Beach Road have been flooded, with the drainage overflowing with water. Gushing winds are a constant during the day and night, disrupting daily life. Since October 27th, heavy rain spells have been lashing the city, leaving transport and communication in peril.

Even long-standing trees have collapsed in the middle of several roads, while the walls of notable buildings have crumbled under the cyclone’s impact. Here are some images depicting the damage sustained:

The cyclone has intensified in the Bay of Bengal and is headed towards Kakinada before landfall. Authorities have indicated that the system may develop into a cyclonic storm, with wind speeds potentially reaching 90 to 110 km/h. Red alerts have been issued for 19 districts along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam. Orange alerts are in effect for the Nandyal, Annamayya, and Kadapa districts. Yellow alerts have been issued for Sri Satya Sai, Kurnool, and Chittoor. As of Monday evening, the cyclone was located approximately 560 km off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Control Rooms:

The District Collector, M. N. Hariendhra Prasad, announced that control rooms are being established at the Collectorate with helplines 0891-2590102 and 0891-2590100. The necessary support and staff will be available on a shift basis to help the citizens with any cyclone-related issues.

Transport Updates:

Several trains and flights have been cancelled in the wake of the cyclone. The East Coast Railway has cancelled 43 trains, while the South Central Railway Authorities have cancelled 54 train services from October 27th to October 29th. The trains cancelled from Visakhapatnam include Tirupati-bound double-decker, Garibrath, Godavari Express, and AP Superfast Express. Almost nine flights have been cancelled between Chennai and Andhra Pradesh locations due to the cyclonic storm.

Residents are urged to stay indoors and remain vigilant about weather changes. 

Stay tuned to Yo! Vizag website and Instagram for more city and Cyclone Montha news updates.