Cyclone ‘Montha’ to Hit Andhra Coast Tomorrow, IMD Issues Red Alert for 7 States
Visakhapatnam (The Uttam Hindu): The developing Cyclone ‘Montha’ over the Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a severe weather system. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression has turned into a cyclonic storm and is expected to strengthen further into a “severe cyclonic storm” within the next 24 hours.
Currently, wind speeds near the cyclone’s center range between 90–100 kmph, with gusts likely to reach 110 kmph. The storm is moving rapidly in a northwest direction and is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast by the evening or night of October 28.
Path and Predicted Impact
IMD projections indicate that Cyclone Montha is likely to pass between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, making landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Early effects of the cyclone have already been seen in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where light showers have begun, expected to intensify gradually.
The cyclone is expected to impact seven states Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu for October 28–29, warning of “very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” and potential damage.
High-Risk Areas
In Andhra Pradesh, nine districts Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore are on high alert. Odisha’s all 30 districts have also been placed under alert mode.
The IMD has warned of high sea waves, coastal flooding, and strong winds up to 110 kmph, which may uproot trees and cause significant damage to infrastructure. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until October 29.
Preparedness and Evacuation Efforts
Authorities in the affected states have begun emergency preparations on a war footing. In Andhra Pradesh, especially in Kakinada and Konaseema, over 6,000 people from 34 coastal villages including 428 pregnant women have been safely evacuated. As a precaution, schools in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and West Godavari will remain closed on October 27–28.
In Odisha, eight southern districts, including Malkangiri and Koraput, have been declared red zones, and cyclone shelters are ready for use. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed across both states, officials’ leaves have been canceled, and reservoirs are being carefully drained to reduce the risk of flooding.