New Delhi: The landfall process of Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) Montha has officially begun off the Andhra Pradesh coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday evening, cautioning that the storm will continue to batter the region for the next six hours after making landfall over interior Andhra Pradesh and adjoining regions, including southern Odisha.

 

According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places in Andhra Pradesh and the Yanam region, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas through October 29. The department also warned of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm at isolated locations during the same period.

The cyclone, named Montha—meaning a fragrant flower in Thai—is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada, bringing fierce winds, torrential rain, and storm surges across coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Winds touch 110 kmph as Montha nears coast

According to the IMD, Montha will make landfall as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, packing sustained winds of 90–100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph. The weather office warned of flooding of low-lying areas, damage to thatched houses, uprooting of trees, and power disruptions in coastal districts.

Heavy rainfall has already been reported in parts of East and West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Krishna districts, with the situation expected to worsen through the night.

Railways on high alert across eastern corridors

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday reviewed the preparedness of the railway network across the eastern coast.

In an official note, the ministry said that divisional war rooms have been activated, and essential materials, machinery, and manpower are being mobilised, especially in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur divisions.

Vaishnaw directed officials to ensure minimum disruption to train operations and to prioritise passenger safety as the cyclone advances inland.

Flights cancelled as storm disrupts air traffic

The impact of Cyclone Montha has already been felt in the skies.

According to GMR Airports, over 35 flights between Shamshabad (Telangana) and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Rajahmundry have been cancelled as a precaution.

The cancellations include 30 IndiGo flights, two Air India, and five Air India Express services.

Officials urge vigilance, evacuations underway

Authorities have urged residents of vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to stay indoors and avoid venturing out until official clearance is issued.

Local administrations have begun evacuations from high-risk zones, moving people to relief shelters as strong winds and rain continue to intensify.

Disaster management teams, including NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units, have been pre-deployed across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to assist with rescue and relief operations.

IMD on watch through the night

The IMD said it will continue to monitor Montha’s progress through the night as the storm crosses the coast.