New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Montha, currently positioned over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by October 28. The cyclone is likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on Monday evening or night, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph.
According to IMD scientist Manorama Mohanty, Andhra Pradesh is expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone’s impact. The weather department has issued rain and landslide alerts for several coastal and southern Odisha districts, as reported by PTI. A red alert has been sounded for Kakinada, Kona Seema, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Baptala, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh.
Authorities have begun precautionary measures, including the closure of schools in Nellore and activation of 144 relief centers. District Collector Himanshu Shukla said the outflow from Somasila Dam is being closely monitored to prevent flooding. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparedness measures and directed officials to ensure timely evacuation in vulnerable coastal areas.
Duty officer Jagannath Kumar from the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre confirmed that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected over coastal districts for the next five days. “Conditions are likely to ease after October 29. Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the sea during this period due to rough weather,” he said.
The IMD also forecasted light to moderate rainfall across coastal and interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and isolated heavy rainfall over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
In Tamil Nadu, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Tiruvallur, Tirunelveli, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Theni, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts. Meanwhile, the IMD predicted heavy rainfall across several districts of West Bengal from October 28 to 31.
Southern Odisha remains on high alert, with 123 disaster response teams deployed across eight districts. Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Majhi appealed to residents to remain indoors until official clearance is issued.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to review the state’s preparedness, directing IT Minister Nara Lokesh to coordinate efforts with the Prime Minister’s Office.
