A Looming Threat: Guntur's Plea for Safety as Cyclone Montha Nears

There's a palpable sense of urgency hanging heavy over Guntur, isn't there? The air, you could say, is thick with anticipation—not the good kind, but a worried hush—as Cyclone Montha inches ever closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast. And right at the heart of it, Guntur Municipal Commissioner K. Keerthi has stepped forward with a stark, indeed, a vital warning, one that simply cannot be ignored: if you’re living in a building that’s seen better days, a structure that’s teetering on the edge, it’s time to leave. Now.

For too long, some folks have perhaps grown accustomed to the old walls around them, maybe even fond of them, but this impending storm changes everything. These aren't just 'old' buildings; they are, in truth, potentially deathtraps waiting for the fierce embrace of Montha's heavy rains and punishing winds. Think about it: a structure already weakened by time, then battered by torrential downpours and gale-force gusts—the risk of collapse, of unimaginable tragedy, becomes very, very real. It's a chilling thought, honestly.

But this isn't a warning without a lifeline. Not at all. The civic body, for its part, has been quite busy, diligently identifying these precarious homes scattered across the city. And crucially, they've swung into action, setting up temporary rehabilitation centers—safe havens, really—in various municipal schools. These aren't just empty rooms; they are warm, dry places ready to welcome those who need to evacuate. It’s a simple, yet profound, message from the Commissioner: don’t wait; these shelters are there for you, and your safety is paramount.

So, really, the message is clear, direct, and frankly, imperative. This is a moment for swift action, for putting personal safety and the well-being of loved ones above all else. The authorities are doing their part—monitoring, warning, preparing—and now, the ball is truly in the court of the residents. Cooperation, you see, isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s the very essence of collective safety when faced with the raw power of nature. Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, that Guntur listens and acts, making sure that when Montha finally arrives, its impact, while perhaps inevitable, doesn’t claim a single precious life.