Relevance (UPSC GS-III: Disaster Management; GS-II: Centre–State coordination in service delivery)

What is happening now

The India Meteorological Department has warned that Cyclone Montha over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and is likely to make landfall near Kakinada on 28 October 2025, bringing very heavy rain and strong winds to coastal districts. Authorities have issued red alerts and begun pre-emptive measures.

The State’s action plan

Andhra Pradesh has pre-positioned food grains, fuel, and relief materials; completed priority stocking at fair price shops and mandal stock points; and readied food supply to relief shelters. Departments have also planned paddy procurement steps to prevent post-cyclone distress for farmers. To speed last-mile movement, the State has relaxed some tracking requirements during the second stage of foodgrain transport, while keeping overall oversight in place.

Why this matters for governance

• Continuity of essentials: Ensuring rice, pulses, kerosene, and LPG reach households even if roads are blocked.
• Unified command: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 framework enables the State Disaster Management Authority to coordinate with district administrations, police, health, and power utilities. Field teams align with National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force for evacuation, rescue, and restoration.
• Risk communication: IMD bulletins guide evacuation, boat bans, and school closures in vulnerable districts, while the power and revenue departments prepare for rapid restoration and damage assessment.
  

What to watch in the next 48 hours

• Evacuation readiness: Transport for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women; adequate women-safe spaces and sanitation in shelters.
• Power and telecom: Staged shutdowns before landfall; quick pole and feeder restoration plans.
• Health and water: Chlorination, mobile medical teams, and disease surveillance to avoid post-flood outbreaks.
• Relief transparency: Public dashboards of stocks, shelters, and disbursements to build trust.
  

Key terms

• Red alert: Highest warning to prepare for severe weather.
• Pre-positioning: Moving supplies to safe places before a disaster cuts access.
• Unified command: One clear chain of authority so agencies act together.
• Relief shelter: A safe public space with food, water, sanitation, and basic health care.
• Rapid needs assessment: A quick survey after impact to prioritise help.
  

Exam hook

Use a four-step frame: IMD warning → pre-positioning essentials → Disaster Management Act command structure → last-mile delivery (shelters, health, power), plus one point on transparent dashboards.

UPSC Prelims question

With reference to cyclone preparedness in India, consider the following:

1. State Disaster Management Authority coordinates all departments under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
2. National Disaster Response Force is placed under the National Disaster Management Authority for operational control during disasters.
3. Pre-positioning of Public Distribution System stocks is a common state measure ahead of forecast landfall.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)

One-line wrap
Plan early, stock smart, evacuate safely, and restore fast—that is how Andhra Pradesh can turn a severe cyclone into a manageable emergency.