How severe will Cyclone Montha be? Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha on high alert

Amaravati: A powerful cyclonic storm, named “Montha” by Thailand, is forming over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to strike the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on October 28.

The storm is expected to bring winds of 90–100 kmph along with extremely heavy rainfall. Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert, and officials are urging residents in coastal areas to stay indoors and follow safety advisories.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), by Sunday, October 27, the system is likely to intensify, causing widespread heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema regions until October 29. On Saturday, the storm’s centre was about 950–970 km southeast of major coastal cities including Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Kakinada. IMD scientist S. Karunasagar warned that squally weather with winds of 45–65 kmph will affect coastal Andhra Pradesh from October 26, gradually intensifying as the storm approaches land.

In Odisha, the cyclone is expected to bring winds of up to 110 kmph, triggering heavy rainfall across southern coastal districts. The state government has activated cyclone shelters, cancelled government employees’ leave, and alerted disaster response teams in vulnerable areas such as Koraput, Ganjam, and Balasore. IMD has issued a red alert for seven districts — Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam, and Gajapati — and a yellow warning for nine others. Wind speeds along Odisha’s coast are expected to rise from 45 kmph to 80 kmph between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning.

In Tamil Nadu, coastal regions are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds starting Sunday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. In Andhra Pradesh, emergency teams are setting up relief centres, and power restoration units are on standby. Areas such as Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Srikakulam are expected to witness the heaviest rainfall.

Officials have urged people not to panic, assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure safety and manage any emergencies.

Cyclone Montha, forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is projected to impact India’s eastern coast with extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds starting next week. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu have placed disaster management teams on high alert and are coordinating relief operations. IMD forecasts indicate that the storm will gradually intensify, with winds gusting up to 100–110 kmph and widespread rainfall affecting coastal and inland districts. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and follow official updates.

Odisha has prepared cyclone shelters, cancelled government employee leaves, and instructed collectors to intensify readiness in 15 districts likely to be affected. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have similarly activated emergency measures, focusing on relief centres, power restoration, and early warnings for fishermen and coastal communities.

With the system expected to make landfall near Kakinada on October 28, authorities emphasise vigilance, timely evacuations if required, and strict adherence to safety protocols to minimise potential loss of life and property.