The approaching cyclone has prompted both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to take precautionary measures, with alerts issued across multiple districts. (Photo: PTI)
Cyclone Montha is set to make landfall on October 28 between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm, which began as a deep depression in the southeast Bay of Bengal, has now intensified into a cyclonic storm. The IMD said it is “very likely to turn into a severe cyclonic storm” by the evening or night of October 28.
The approaching cyclone has prompted both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to take precautionary measures, with alerts issued across multiple districts.
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Montha will cross the coast near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, around 200 km from Odisha’s Malkangiri district. The storm will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and parts of West Bengal.
In Odisha, the government has issued a red warning for eight districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi. The IMD warned of extremely heavy rainfall and winds gusting up to 80 kmph.
Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said, “The impending calamity would impact 15 districts, eight of which are likely to experience very heavy rainfall and strong winds.”
He added that over 5,000 skilled personnel have been deployed, including 24 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 99 Fire Service teams, to assist in emergency operations.
The Odisha government has also put all 30 districts on alert. In coastal areas, authorities are warning fishermen not to venture into the sea and are using loudspeakers and megaphones to spread the message.
In Gajapati district, Collector Madhumita said, “We have identified 139 places that are vulnerable to landslides.” Officials have started evacuating people from hilly regions, including sadhus, pregnant women, and elderly persons, to safer shelters.
All Anganwadi centres and schools in the affected regions will remain closed till October 30. The administrations of nine districts have cancelled government employees’ leaves to ensure quick response during the cyclone.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the IMD said light to moderate rainfall is expected in Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, and Hooghly from October 27. Heavy rainfall is likely in north Bengal districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri between October 30–31.
As Cyclone Montha approaches the coast, both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are on high alert, preparing for strong winds, heavy rains, and potential damage.
