Cyclone Montha LIVE Updates: The nation is closely monitoring two active weather systems, one brewing over the Bay of Bengal and another in the Arabian Sea. The system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is poised to become ‘Cyclone Montha’ within 24 hours, with the possibility of escalating into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28. This developing cyclone has been named Montha, following international convention, with the name provided by Thailand.
Key Developments:
- As of Sunday morning, the depression in the southeast Bay of Bengal had moved northwestward at approximately 10 kmph, strengthening into a deep depression.
- The IMD anticipates this system will transform into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal within the next day.
- Projections indicate a further intensification into a Severe Cyclonic Storm as it tracks north-northwestward, with landfall expected around October 28.
- The predicted landfall zone for Cyclone Montha is along the Andhra Pradesh coast, specifically between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada. Landfall is expected between 5:30 PM and 11:30 PM on Tuesday, October 28.
- At the time of landfall, wind speeds could reach between 90–100 km/h, with gusts potentially up to 110 km/h.
Andhra Pradesh Preparedness:
In anticipation of Cyclone Montha’s impact, the Andhra Pradesh government has put an action plan in place for relief and essential supplies. The plan includes measures for Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities, fuel management, paddy procurement, and the distribution of food to relief shelters, ensuring preparedness for the storm’s arrival.
Other Weather Systems:
Meanwhile, a separate depression has been observed over the east-central Arabian Sea, moving westward. This system was located about 700 km west-southwest of Mumbai, 760 km west of Panjim, 880 km northwest of Aminidivi, and 960 km west-northwest of Mangalore. It is expected to continue its westward trajectory across the Arabian Sea over the coming day.