Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall: Heavy Rainfall In Andhra, Odisha, Bengal; Schools Closed
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high alert as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The weather agency confirmed that the system, which developed as a deep depression on 26 October, has strengthened into a cyclonic storm and is likely to turn into a “severe cyclonic storm” by 28 October. According to forecasts, it is “very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam during the evening or night of 28 October.”
Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: October 26–30
Telangana & Odisha: October 27–30
Chhattisgarh: October 27–30
IMD officials have urged citizens in vulnerable districts to remain indoors and avoid venturing into water bodies or coastal zones.
To mitigate the cyclone’s effects, the Odisha government has deployed over 5,000 trained personnel, including 24 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 5 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and 99 Fire Service units. All district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and to activate rescue and relief operations when necessary.
Schools and Anganwadi centres will remain closed until 30 October, and the Puri administration has imposed temporary restrictions on beach tourism from 27–29 October to prevent accidents or injuries due to high tides.
Cyclone Montha’s trajectory underscores the need for coordinated disaster management across India’s eastern coast. With Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on high alert, state administrations are prioritising evacuation, rescue readiness, and essential supply chains. The IMD continues to issue regular advisories, urging residents to stay updated through official channels and follow all safety instructions until the cyclone subsides.
Path and Landfall Prediction
The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 200 kilometres from Odisha’s Malkangiri district. The IMD has projected sustained wind speeds of 70–90 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 100 kmph at the time of landfall. Meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall, storm surges, and coastal flooding could occur in low-lying areas of Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.Rainfall and Wind Alerts Across States
As per IMD’s latest bulletin, widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across multiple states. The forecast includes:- Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe: October 27–28
- Coastal Karnataka: October 26–28
Odisha Braces for Heavy Impact
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that “the impending calamity would impact 15 districts, eight of which are likely to experience very heavy rainfall and strong winds.” A ‘red warning’—the highest category alert—has been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi districts. The IMD has predicted wind speeds gusting up to 80 kmph in these regions.To mitigate the cyclone’s effects, the Odisha government has deployed over 5,000 trained personnel, including 24 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 5 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and 99 Fire Service units. All district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and to activate rescue and relief operations when necessary.
Preparations and Precautions in Odisha
Authorities are conducting large-scale evacuations in landslide-prone and low-lying regions. Gajapati District Collector Madhumita said, “We have identified 139 places that are vulnerable to landslides.” Special attention is being given to relocating pregnant women, the elderly, and people living in hilly areas to safe shelters. The administration has also cancelled the leaves of government employees in nine districts, ensuring full manpower for emergency response.Schools and Anganwadi centres will remain closed until 30 October, and the Puri administration has imposed temporary restrictions on beach tourism from 27–29 October to prevent accidents or injuries due to high tides.
Impact on West Bengal
Cyclone Montha’s peripheral effect will extend into parts of West Bengal. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall in southern districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, and Medinipur from 27 October. Heavy rainfall is likely in northern districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar between 30–31 October. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between 28–30 October.Andhra Pradesh Government’s Preparedness
The Andhra Pradesh government has developed a comprehensive action plan focusing on relief distribution, fuel management, and essential supply continuity. State Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar confirmed that “the supply of food grains to all fair price shops in coastal areas shall be completed by October 26, and sufficient stock is already placed at Mandal Level Stock Points.” Authorities have also ensured full stocking of petrol, diesel, and LPG in vulnerable coastal districts. District Collectors have been directed to coordinate with Oil Marketing Companies to maintain diesel supplies for power backup at telecom towers, hospitals, and cyclone shelters.Cyclone Montha’s trajectory underscores the need for coordinated disaster management across India’s eastern coast. With Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on high alert, state administrations are prioritising evacuation, rescue readiness, and essential supply chains. The IMD continues to issue regular advisories, urging residents to stay updated through official channels and follow all safety instructions until the cyclone subsides.
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