Cyclone Montha triggers alerts, heavy rain, school closures
The IMD reported the system intensified into a cyclonic storm on October 26, likely strengthening further into a severe storm.
Cyclone Montha Landfall: Andhra, Odisha, Bengal on Alert as IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Montha is likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam during the evening or night of October 28, bringing with it intense rainfall, stormy winds, and rough sea conditions. The cyclone, which developed from a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the coast “as a severe cyclonic storm,” the IMD said on Monday.
According to the latest updates, the system that was initially classified as a deep depression on October 25 intensified into a cyclonic storm on October 26. Meteorologists now predict it will further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28 as it approaches the Andhra coast. The IMD has been closely monitoring its movement through satellite imagery and radar data, issuing timely alerts to ensure preparedness in vulnerable coastal regions.
Cyclone Montha is projected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, roughly 200 kilometers from Odisha’s Malkangiri district. The storm’s trajectory suggests that while Andhra Pradesh will bear the brunt of the impact, several parts of southern Odisha and coastal West Bengal will also experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds as the system moves inland.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until further notice, as wind speeds over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal are expected to reach 70–90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph in some areas. The sea condition is likely to remain “very rough to high” over the next 48 hours, posing a significant risk to small boats and trawlers.
Government preparations and response
The Andhra Pradesh government has begun evacuation measures in low-lying coastal districts, with disaster management teams placed on high alert. Relief camps are being set up, and officials have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power and communication lines wherever possible. The state’s Special Relief Commissioner has also directed district administrations to prepare for possible flooding in river basins and to stock essential supplies such as drinking water, dry rations, and medicines.
In Odisha, authorities have taken proactive steps to minimize the cyclone’s impact. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that the calamity is likely to affect 15 districts, with eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi—expected to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
Pujari confirmed that a ‘red warning’, meaning “take action,” has been issued for these eight districts, with forecasts of wind speeds gusting up to 80 kmph. He added that all district collectors in the affected regions have been instructed to remain on standby and activate disaster response protocols immediately. Schools and colleges in these districts will remain closed as a precautionary measure, and the administration has urged residents in vulnerable zones to move to safer areas.
Possible impact and areas of concern
The IMD has warned that the landfall of Cyclone Montha could lead to widespread damage in coastal and adjoining inland areas. Strong winds may uproot trees, disrupt power supply, and damage kutcha houses and infrastructure. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, especially in hilly and low-lying areas, while rough sea conditions pose a serious risk to coastal communities and fishermen.
In Andhra Pradesh, the districts of East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam are expected to witness the heaviest rainfall and strongest wind gusts. Local administrations have identified vulnerable areas and are preparing for emergency evacuations if water levels rise.
In Odisha, authorities are paying particular attention to Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Gajapati, where continuous downpours may cause landslides and overflowing of smaller rivers. Control rooms have been activated across these districts, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed with boats and rescue equipment.
Forecast for West Bengal
Although West Bengal is not expected to experience the cyclone’s direct impact, the IMD has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and North 24 Parganas on October 28 and 29. Kolkata and its adjoining areas may see intermittent showers accompanied by gusty winds. The state government has alerted disaster management teams in coastal blocks and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.
Schools and transport affected
As a precaution, several schools and colleges in coastal Andhra and southern Odisha have been ordered to remain closed for the next two days. Train and flight operations may also be disrupted, depending on the cyclone’s intensity at landfall. The South Central Railway has issued advisories for potential schedule changes, while the Visakhapatnam Port Authority has suspended cargo operations until weather conditions improve.
IMD and experts urge caution
The IMD has urged the public not to panic but to stay alert and follow official advisories. Experts emphasize that while Cyclone Montha is expected to be a “severe cyclonic storm,” it is not anticipated to reach the intensity of last year’s extremely severe Cyclone Remal. However, due to its slow movement and the possibility of heavy rainfall over a prolonged period, the risk of flooding and localized damage remains high.
With both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha bracing for the storm, the next 48 hours will be crucial. The focus now is on preparedness—ensuring timely evacuations, maintaining communication networks, and providing relief where needed—to minimize the cyclone’s impact on lives and livelihoods.