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District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad on Sunday (October 26, 2025) urged the public to remain alert following the cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In a release on Sunday evening, he said, “in view of heavy rains and strong winds forecast on October 27, 28, and 29, people are advised not to travel during these days unless it is absolutely necessary and stay indoors.” Mr. Harendhira Prasad also advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea and requested those who have already gone for fishing to return to the shore immediately. Farmers have been instructed to follow the directions of agricultural officers and take precautionary measures to prevent crop damage. Residents of low-lying areas, hilly regions, and riverbanks have been advised to move to safer locations. He further warned that sea conditions would be rough and urged the public to avoid entering beaches for swimming or recreation. Meanwhile, in view of cyclone ‘Montha’ warning, the district administrations of Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli have declared holidays for educational institutions over the next few days. While holidays have been declared on October 27-28 for all government, private schools, Intermediate, degree colleges apart from Anganwadi Centres in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan in a release declared holidays for all educational institutions from October 27-29. The Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) at the District Collectorate and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) have been cancelled. Public can contact the control room set up at the Collector’s Office by calling 0891-2590102 or 0891-2590100. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has set up a 24-hour control room to coordinate relief measures. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg urged the citizens to take necessary precautions, especially those residing in hilly and low-lying areas. “A 24-hour control room has been established at the GVMC head office for public convenience, and staff have been assigned in three shifts from October 25 to October 30 to take up emergency relief operations. In case of any emergencies within the city limits, citizens are requested to contact the GVMC Control Room at 0891-2507225 or the GVMC City Operation Centre toll-free number 1800-425-0009. Similar arrangements, including control rooms and staff, have also been made in all zonal offices,” he said. The Commissioner urged residents to avoid standing near electric poles, trees, hoardings, or old dilapidated buildings during heavy rains and strong winds. He also appealed to the public and traders not to dump waste into drains, and thereby ensure smooth flow of rainwater. Meanwhile, Alluri Sitharama Raju district administration has decided to close ghat roads in the Agency areas at 6 a.m. on October 28, till further notice.
