Cyclone Montha Landfall Updates: States are on high alert as Cyclone Montha strengthens into a ‘severe’ cyclonic storm, with landfall imminent today. Andhra Pradesh is bracing for significant impact, anticipating heavy rainfall and strong winds. Parts of Tamil Nadu and Odisha are also under red alert for substantial downpours.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is projected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast this evening, though the timing could be delayed until later tonight. The IMD official indicated that the landfall is expected between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, near the Kakinada area. Many districts in Andhra Pradesh are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert with Orange and Yellow Alerts
In preparation for the cyclone’s impact, Andhra Pradesh has implemented extensive preparatory measures. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly instructed officials to prioritize the safety of lives and minimize potential damage in coastal regions.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu districts, with a yellow alert in place for surrounding northeastern districts.
Fishermen have been advised to secure their boats, with many already sheltered at Gopalpur Port. “We have provided shelter to 30 boats in the harbour at Gopalpur Port. They will remain there as long as the cyclone continues,” stated Bidyabharati Nayak, Inspector in-charge of the Marine Police Station in Aryapalli.
Isolated areas in Andhra Pradesh could receive extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm, through Wednesday, October 29.
Warnings Issued for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Rain Alerts for Maharashtra
Beyond Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are also under an orange alert for rainfall due to the approaching cyclone. Additionally, the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra is forecast to experience rain until October 30. A yellow alert has been issued for isolated areas in Maharashtra, including Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia, and Nagpur, warning of rain accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, according to Scientist Praveen Kumar of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Nagpur.