Cyclone Montha to Hit on October 28
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a strong warning for parts of southern and eastern India as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and rough sea conditions along the coastal belt of Andhra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
According to IMD’s latest update, Cyclone Montha has developed into a severe cyclonic storm and is moving northwestward at a steady pace. It is predicted to hit the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam by Sunday evening. Wind speeds could reach 100 to 110 km/h, with gusts potentially crossing 120 km/h in some regions.
The weather department has advised fishermen to completely avoid venturing into the sea until further notice, as the Bay of Bengal remains extremely rough with high tidal waves and strong currents.
IMD Weather Alert for Coastal India
The IMD has placed red and orange alerts across several districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. In Andhra, coastal districts like Nellore, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Srikakulam are expected to face the strongest impact. Odisha’s Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Gajapati districts are also on high alert for intense rainfall and strong winds.
Tamil Nadu, though not in the direct path of the cyclone, will experience moderate to heavy rainfall along its coastal belt including Chennai, Cuddalore, and Nagapattinam. Light showers have already begun in some southern districts as a result of the system’s outer bands.
An official from the IMD’s Cyclone Warning Division told reporters, “The storm is showing consistent strength and will likely retain its intensity at landfall. Coastal residents should follow evacuation guidelines and stay indoors when the storm hits.”
The government has also issued advisories for suspension of fishing activities, port operations, and tourist movement in affected areas until October 30.
Preparations in Andhra and Odisha
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have gone into full alert mode. The state’s disaster management teams have started shifting vulnerable populations to safer shelters in Kakinada, Krishna, and Visakhapatnam districts. Emergency operation centers have been activated to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure communication lines remain functional.
In Odisha, the government has deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) in high-risk zones. The state is also stocking essential supplies such as drinking water, dry rations, and medicines in coastal villages.
A senior Odisha official stated, “We have learned from past cyclones that early action saves lives. This time, evacuation and logistics have started two days ahead of landfall.”
Electricity boards have been instructed to keep backup teams ready for power restoration, as strong winds could damage transmission lines. Schools and colleges in coastal districts may remain closed on October 28 and 29 for safety.
Impact on Daily Life and Transport
Train and flight operations in affected regions may face disruptions once the cyclone makes landfall. The Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar airports have been placed on alert, and airlines have been asked to monitor the situation closely before scheduling flights.
The East Coast Railway has also made contingency plans, positioning maintenance teams at critical points to deal with fallen trees and damaged tracks.
Road transportation is likely to be affected by flooding and uprooted trees. Local authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near coastal highways, until conditions normalize.
Fishing communities along the Andhra and Odisha coastline are among the most vulnerable. Many have already pulled their boats ashore and secured nets to prevent damage.
Cyclone Intensity and Path
Meteorologists explain that Cyclone Montha formed due to a combination of warm sea surface temperatures and favorable wind conditions in the southern Bay of Bengal. These factors have provided the storm with sufficient energy to grow rapidly.
The system is expected to weaken gradually after landfall, moving toward southern Chhattisgarh and western Odisha as a deep depression by October 29. However, it will continue to bring heavy rain across inland districts for another 24 to 36 hours.
Weather experts have warned of possible flash floods and landslides in hilly areas of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh due to continuous downpour.
Government and Rescue Response
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are on standby with ships and helicopters ready for rescue operations. Relief camps have been set up along low-lying coastal zones, and power restoration teams are positioned to respond quickly after the storm passes.
In Tamil Nadu, the state disaster management department has advised citizens to stay indoors and keep emergency kits ready. The Chennai Corporation has also deployed extra workers to clear waterlogging and maintain stormwater drains.
Citizens are urged not to panic but to remain vigilant. The IMD continues to monitor the cyclone’s trajectory through satellites and radars, issuing regular updates on its speed, intensity, and landfall coordinates.
Impact and Future Outlook
Experts believe Cyclone Montha is a reminder of how climate patterns over the Bay of Bengal are changing, with storms becoming more frequent and powerful even after the monsoon season. The sea surface temperature in this region has risen by almost 1 degree Celsius over the past two decades, creating conditions favorable for late-season cyclones.
A climate researcher from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology said, “Montha shows how post-monsoon systems are gaining intensity due to warmer oceans. Preparedness and early warnings are the only ways to reduce losses.”
The next 48 hours will be crucial for residents of the east coast. As the cyclone approaches land, the focus will shift from prediction to protection — ensuring people remain safe and essential services continue.
For now, the message from authorities is clear: stay indoors, follow official advisories, and do not underestimate Cyclone Montha’s strength.