Cyclone Montha, a new cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea, is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Officials said the storm could also affect parts of Odisha and nearby coastal areas. The weather department confirmed that a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified and is likely to strengthen into a severe cyclone in the coming days.
The IMD has already issued red and orange alerts for several districts, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds as Cyclone Montha approaches.
When and Where Will Cyclone Montha Make Landfall?
The IMD said Cyclone Montha is moving northwestwards towards the Andhra coast and is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on October 28. As a precaution, the IMD has issued red and orange alerts for 23 of the 26 districts in Andhra Pradesh.
Districts in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are also expected to receive heavy rainfall as the cyclone moves inland. Officials have urged people living in low-lying coastal areas to stay alert and avoid venturing near the sea.
How Are Cyclones Named?
Countries in the North Indian Ocean region — including Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — submit lists of 13 names each. Together, these lists create a pool of 169 names.
Whenever a new cyclone forms, the IMD assigns the next name from this list in order.
This naming system ensures that cyclones are easily identified, helping improve communication and preparedness among affected regions.
How Did Cyclone Montha Get Its Name?
The name “Montha” was suggested by Thailand, one of the 13 countries that contribute names for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region. In Thai, Montha means “fragrant flower” or “beautiful flower.”
Cyclones in this region are named by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The naming system follows the guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
States on High Alert
- As Cyclone Montha moves closer to land, multiple states are bracing for its impact.
- In Andhra Pradesh, 23 districts are on high alert due to warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.
- In Odisha, districts such as Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to receive heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29.
Authorities in both states are monitoring the cyclone closely and preparing for rescue and relief operations if required. Residents have been urged to follow official updates and stay indoors during the storm.
