Cyclone Montha nears Andhra coast, red alert issued
Cyclone Montha is positioned about 230 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 370 km south of Visakhapatnam, and 570 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha, approaching the Andhra coast rapidly.
Cyclone ‘Montha’ Nears Andhra Pradesh Coast, Flights Cancelled Amid Intensifying Storm
Amaravati: The cyclonic storm Montha continues to strengthen over the west-central Bay of Bengal, moving steadily toward the Andhra Pradesh coast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system has been advancing north-northwestwards at a speed of about 17 km per hour over the past six hours. By early Tuesday morning, around 2:30 a.m., the storm was centered over the same region, positioned approximately 310 kilometers south-southeast of Kakinada.
Weather officials have confirmed that the cyclone is likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potentially dangerous sea conditions. The system’s current position is estimated to be about 230 kilometers south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 370 kilometers south of Visakhapatnam, and nearly 570 kilometers south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.
The IMD has issued red alerts for several coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, warning fishermen and coastal residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the sea. With wind speeds expected to reach up to 100 kmph as the system nears landfall, authorities are preparing for possible disruptions, including flooding in low-lying areas, damage to crops, and power outages.
“Montha over the west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 17 kmph during the past six hours and lay centred at 2:30 a.m. on October 28 over the same region, about 230 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam and 310 km south-southeast of Kakinada,” the IMD said in its official bulletin.
The department added that the storm is gaining strength due to favorable oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the region. Warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear are helping the system maintain its intensity, increasing the potential for it to escalate into a severe cyclonic storm before it approaches the coast.
Local authorities have swung into action across 19 coastal districts placed under red alert. Disaster response teams have been stationed in vulnerable zones, while control rooms have been activated to coordinate relief efforts. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, as conditions are expected to turn extremely rough with high waves and strong currents. Ports along the Andhra coast have also been put on high alert.
The approaching cyclone has already begun disrupting transportation and daily life. Nine flights scheduled between Chennai and several destinations in Andhra Pradesh — including Visakhapatnam — were cancelled early Tuesday due to worsening weather conditions. Passengers were informed about cancellations in advance, and airlines are reportedly working on rescheduling flights once conditions improve.
In several coastal towns, light to moderate rain accompanied by gusty winds was reported through the night. Residents living near the shoreline have been asked to stay indoors and stock up on essentials as a precaution.
The government of Andhra Pradesh has urged citizens to stay alert and follow official updates closely. “We are monitoring the situation hour by hour,” an official from the State Disaster Management Authority said. “Our teams are ready for evacuation and relief operations if required.”
As Cyclone Montha continues its north-northwestward path, the next 24 hours will be crucial in determining its intensity and exact landfall location. For now, authorities and residents alike remain on high alert, bracing for nature’s unpredictable force as the storm barrels toward the coast.