Cyclone Montha has escalated into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, triggering urgent evacuation efforts in coastal areas across several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds impacting both coastal and inland regions.
The cyclone, whose name translates to “fragrant flower” in Thai, is anticipated to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, by the evening or night of October 28.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert
Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the most significant impact of Cyclone Montha. IMD officials have indicated that most coastal districts will experience extremely heavy rainfall and gusts of wind ranging from 90–110 kmph. The cyclone is projected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday evening or night. 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) reports that high sea waves, measuring between 2 and 4.7 metres, are expected along the Andhra Pradesh coast from Nellore to Srikakulam, with a risk of inundation in low-lying areas during landfall. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the evacuation of residents from vulnerable coastal zones to safe rehabilitation centers, ensuring adequate supplies of drinking water and food. District collectors have been instructed to monitor the cyclone’s progression hourly and oversee rescue operations.
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 priority is to ensure zero casualties, with evacuations focusing on pregnant women, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. Over 128 rescue teams, including NDRF, ODRAF, and Odisha Fire Service personnel, have been deployed, with special attention given to landslide-prone hilly regions.
Tamil Nadu Sees Heavy Rainfall
Several northern districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, and Kancheepuram, experienced heavy rainfall on Monday. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai expects rainfall to continue as Montha moves north-northwestward, though significant damage to Tamil Nadu is not anticipated. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin confirmed the state’s preparedness and inspected vulnerable areas around Chennai. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until October 29 due to high surface winds and rough sea conditions.
Maharashtra’s Vidarbha Region to Receive Heavy Rain
Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, encompassing areas like Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia, and Nagpur, is likely to face moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 50 kmph, between October 28 and 30. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts.
Other States on Alert
Beyond Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, the IMD has issued yellow alerts for parts of Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa. These alerts warn of moderate rainfall and thunderstorms as Cyclone Montha’s outer bands move inland following landfall.