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The southern and southwestern parts of Anakapalli district are likely to be affected by the cyclone Montha as they border the neighbouring Kakinada district. Most of these areas have major water bodies like reservoirs and rivers, which are likely to overflow beyond their full capacity due to the heavy rains during the cyclone’s landfall. As of Tuesday evening, the district reported an average rainfall of 101 mm at 6pm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has estimated that these areas have already received very heavy rainfall and winds as the outer bands of the cyclone reached the coast on Tuesday evening. Five major reservoirs in Anakapalli district are under constant vigil as they are likely to overflow any time. As per observations made by the irrigation officials at 4 pm on October 28, the Tandava reservoir was 91.17% full of its 380 feet full reservoir level. Similarly, other reservoirs Raiwada (80.97% of its gross capacity of 114 metres), Konam reservoir (69.68% of 101.3 metres), Pedderu (71.51% of 137 metres), and Varaha reservoir (91.83% of the full length reservoir level of 460 feet). The district also has 2,880 minor irrigation sources such as tanks, dams and check dams. Three major rivers flow through Anakapalli district — Tandava, Sarada and Varaha. “Irrigation officials are patrolling the areas where the reservoirs are located to detect and prevent any damages or untoward incidents due to the cyclone,” said an official statement from the I&PR. On Tuesday, Collector Vijaya Krishnan held a series of emergency review meetings focusing on cyclone preparedness activities and evacuation of people to safer places. She also visited some areas of the district and took stock of the situation at the ground level.
