Special Chief Secretary RP Sisodia, who has been appointed as Special Officer for 10 districts to coordinate cyclone relief and rehabilitation measures, directed officials on Sunday (October 26) to remain on full alert as Cyclone Montha is likely to intensify into a severe storm.
Speaking at a cyclone preparedness meeting in Guntur, Mr Sisodia said basic supplies of food and aid should be ready and people should be evacuated from dilapidated or unsafe buildings. Weak walls, thatched huts, and old trees that could fall during a storm should be targeted.
He ordered teams to have chainsaws ready to clear uprooted trees and identify and repair vulnerable embankments without any delay. He also told the finance and police departments to take precautionary measures on low-lying embankments.
Mr. Sisodia emphasized on ensuring safe drinking water supply and instructed officials to keep generators ready to maintain pumping operations during power cuts. He said there should be no interruption of drinking water supply and the damaged electric poles must be restored immediately.
Vehicles should be prepared for emergency evacuation. Mobile towers must remain operational throughout the cyclone and telecom operators have been given clear instructions to do so.
Noting that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to hit several districts, Mr Sisodia said Montha could be more severe than previous cyclones and officials should remain on full alert for the next four days.
District Collector A. Thameem Ansaria, Joint Collector Ashutosh Srivastava, Guntur Municipal Commissioner P. Srinivasulu, NSK Finance Officer Khaja Vali and other officials were present. Earlier, Mr. Sisodia inspected the district control room.
Published – 26 Oct 2025 22:22 IST
