As Cyclone Montha gains strength over the Bay of Bengal, both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert. Authorities have ordered school closures and begun precautionary evacuations in several coastal districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of extremely heavy rainfall and gale-force winds reaching up to 110 kmph. The cyclone is expected to make landfall on October 28, specifically between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam.
Odisha Intensifies Preparedness
In Odisha, the Ganjam district administration has announced the closure of all schools and colleges until October 28. Other southern districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi have been designated as “red zones,” where similar educational institution closures are anticipated if the weather deteriorates.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, has confirmed the state is fully prepared with extensive safety measures and inter-departmental coordination. He noted that the cyclone is currently 930 kilometers from the Odisha coast and is moving west-northwest. Eight districts have been identified as highly vulnerable, with all essential departments—including energy, health, public relations, rural development, and agriculture—instructed to maintain high alert. Cyclone and relief centers are operational, and water resources departments have begun releasing water from reservoirs.
Andhra Pradesh Takes Extensive Contingency Measures
Andhra Pradesh has also initiated significant preparations across at least five coastal districts: Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari. Local authorities have implemented bans on fishing, ordered school closures, and issued evacuation advisories for vulnerable communities.
In Kakinada, officials are relocating residents from Hope Island to safer areas. Konaseema Collector R Mahesh Kumar has mandated school closures and established shelters for over 6,000 residents from 34 coastal villages. Additionally, 428 pregnant women due to deliver within the next 15 days have been moved to nearby health centers.
Schools and colleges in West Godavari and Eluru will remain closed on October 27 and 28. All recreational activities at beaches and resorts have been temporarily halted. Telecom operators have also been instructed to deploy generators to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity throughout the cyclone.
Forecasting Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risks
IMD projections indicate that 20–30 cm of rain is expected across several coastal and southern districts of both states between October 28 and 30. This heavy rainfall is likely to cause widespread flooding, power outages, and potential storm surges.
Coastal preparedness has been significantly bolstered, with fishing activities completely banned. Relief and rescue teams are strategically stationed along Odisha’s southern coastline, and 24×7 control rooms along with emergency medical teams are on standby in both states to minimize damage and ensure public safety.