Cyclone Montha has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, prompting widespread evacuations along coastal regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts significant rainfall and powerful winds across both coastal and inland areas.
The cyclone, aptly named “fragrant flower” in Thai, is anticipated to make landfall on October 28th, impacting the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, during the evening or night.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the most severe impact of Cyclone Montha. IMD officials predict that coastal districts will experience extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 90–110 kmph. An orange alert has been issued for Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu districts, with yellow alerts for other northeastern districts. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) warns of high sea waves, measuring 2 to 4.7 metres, along the Andhra Pradesh coast from Nellore to Srikakulam, potentially causing inundation in low-lying areas.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the evacuation of residents from vulnerable coastal areas to designated rehabilitation centers, ensuring the availability of essential supplies like safe drinking water and food. District collectors have been instructed to monitor the cyclone’s progression hourly and oversee rescue and restoration efforts.
Odisha Gears Up for Evacuations
In Odisha, large-scale evacuation operations are underway in eight southern districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal—where a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued. The state’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, emphasized that the priority is zero casualties, with particular attention given to evacuating pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Over 128 rescue teams, including NDRF, ODRAF, and Odisha Fire Service personnel, have been deployed, with a focus on hilly regions susceptible to landslides.
Tamil Nadu Braces for Rain
Several northern districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, and Kancheepuram, have already recorded heavy rainfall. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai anticipates continued rainfall as Montha moves north-northwestward, though major damage is not expected. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has assured that the state is fully prepared and has personally inspected vulnerable areas around Chennai. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea until October 29 due to high winds and rough conditions.
Maharashtra and Other States on Alert
Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, encompassing districts like Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia, and Nagpur, is forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 50 kmph between October 28 and 30. A yellow alert has been issued for these areas. Additionally, the IMD has issued yellow alerts for parts of Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa, anticipating moderate rainfall and thunderstorms as Cyclone Montha’s outer bands move inland.