As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have moved to high alert. This has led to widespread school closures and precautionary evacuations across several coastal districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall and gale-force winds, potentially reaching speeds of up to 110 kmph. The storm is expected to make landfall on October 28, specifically between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam.
Odisha Prepares for Cyclone Montha
In Odisha, the Ganjam district administration has already announced the closure of all schools and colleges until October 28. Southern districts such as Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi have been designated “red zones,” where additional closures are anticipated if conditions deteriorate. Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed the state’s readiness, noting that the cyclone is currently 930 kilometers from the coast and moving west-northwest.
Eight districts have been identified as highly vulnerable. All government departments, including energy, health, public relations, rural development, and agriculture, have been instructed to remain vigilant. Cyclone shelters, relief centers, and contingency plots are fully prepared, and the water resources department has begun releasing water from reservoirs as a preventative measure.
Andhra Pradesh Implements Extensive Contingency Measures
Andhra Pradesh has also initiated comprehensive preparations across at least five coastal districts: Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari. Local authorities have imposed fishing bans, ordered school closures, and issued evacuation advisories for at-risk communities.
In Kakinada, officials are relocating residents from Hope Island to safer locations. Konaseema Collector R Mahesh Kumar has ordered schools to close and has prepared shelters for over 6,000 people from 34 coastal villages. Additionally, 428 pregnant women with expected deliveries within the next 15 days have been moved to nearby health centers for safety.
For October 27 and 28, schools and colleges in West Godavari and Eluru will remain closed. Recreational activities at beaches and resorts have also been suspended. Telecom operators have been instructed to deploy generators to ensure continuous mobile connectivity throughout the cyclone.
Anticipated Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risks
IMD forecasts predict 20–30 cm of rainfall across several coastal and southern districts of both states between October 28 and 30. This heavy precipitation is expected to cause flooding, widespread power disruptions, and potential storm surges.
Authorities in both states are coordinating disaster management, police, and energy departments to minimize potential damage. Twenty-four-hour control rooms and emergency medical teams are on standby to respond to any crisis.