Disaster management teams in Odisha are on high alert due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Montha, which is currently forming in the Bay of Bengal. The state, along with Tamil Nadu, can expect heavy rainfall starting from October 27th.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm is projected to form by October 26th, intensify further, and make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast, specifically between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, on the evening or night of October 28th.
Heavy Rainfall Warning Issued
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Yanam and Rayalaseema from October 27th to 28th. The Met Centre has already issued a yellow warning for the entire state for October 26th.
Odisha anticipates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, on October 28th and 29th. Wind speeds are expected to reach 60–70 km/h, with gusts potentially up to 80 km/h in some areas.
In Tamil Nadu, light to moderate rainfall is expected in most areas, with isolated heavy downpours predicted on October 25th, 26th, and 28th.
Cyclone’s Current Location
As of 11:30 PM on October 25th, the depression was situated approximately 850 km east-southeast of Chennai. It was also located about 890 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 890 km southeast of Kakinada, moving slightly west-northwest.
In response to the cyclone warning, the fire department in Odisha is fully prepared, with boats and rescue teams on standby. Health facilities are also being readied, and preparations are underway to relocate expectant mothers due in the coming days.