1,058 Relief Centers Ready As Montha Threatens AP Coast

Special chief secretary Ajay Jain, along with district collector Harendhira Prasad, told the media on Monday that six NDRF teams and five SDRF teams have been deployed for the relief operations. Around 13,000 electric poles have also been arranged and nearly 6,000 personnel are in wait for the rescue and relief efforts.

The storm threatens to severely impact 17 to 19 coastal districts, with nine districts likely to face the brunt. According to Jain, 87 mandals and 705 villages are in the danger zone, along with 16 urban areas spanning from Srikakulam to Konaseema.

The rehabilitation centres have been equipped with essential facilities like drinking water, toilets, medicines, milk, and food for children. The district administration is in touch with the village secretariat staff to ensure proper supervision and management of these shelters.

The state government has alerted the administrations of all coastal districts, asking them to remove hoardings, lest they fall on vehicles, and repair the manholes to facilitate swift flow of floodwaters. Continuous monitoring is on at reservoirs, including Gostani, Meghadri Gedda and Gambhiram, to prevent water-related emergencies.

In Visakhapatnam district, 500 poles are available under EPDCL supervision, with 430 staff members on deployment. The Navy would provide assistance with its helicopters on standby for emergency evacuations and rescue operations.

Collector Prasad said 15 coastal villages across 11 mandals in Visakhapatnam could be severely affected. Arrangements have been made to shift all these residents to safer locations. Uninterrupted supply of drinking water throughout the crisis period would be ensured by the district administration.

Residents requiring assistance can contact Control Room on 0891-2590100, 0891-2590102, and WhatsApp (GVMC area) number 96669 09192.