Cyclone Montha, currently intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall today evening, bringing with it torrential rains, strong winds, and the threat of flooding across coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts, warning residents of possible damage to infrastructure, crops, and communication lines.
The cyclone, which developed as a deep depression earlier this week, has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm due to warm sea surface temperatures and favorable wind conditions. As it approaches the coastline, authorities are on high alert, evacuating thousands of residents from low-lying areas and preparing disaster management teams for rescue and relief operations.
Current Situation and Forecast
According to the IMD’s latest advisory, Cyclone Montha is moving northwestward at a speed of around 15–20 km/h. It is likely to cross the coast between Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Gopalpur (Odisha) by late evening with wind speeds reaching 100–120 km/h, gusting up to 135 km/h in some pockets.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall has already begun across parts of Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and East Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, as well as Ganjam, Puri, and Kendrapara in Odisha. Coastal areas are experiencing strong sea waves and rough conditions, prompting authorities to suspend fishing activities and close ports temporarily.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours due to extremely rough sea conditions. Flight operations from Visakhapatnam Airport and train services along the east coast have also been affected, with several cancellations and delays reported.
Evacuation and Preparedness
Both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha governments have stepped up emergency measures. Over 50,000 people have already been evacuated from coastal villages and shifted to relief shelters equipped with food, water, and medical supplies.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) have deployed over 40 teams across the two states. These teams are on standby with rescue boats, generators, and communication equipment. Local police and fire departments are coordinating with volunteers to ensure a quick response in case of flooding or structural collapses.
In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through video conferencing with district collectors, directing officials to prioritize safety, ensure continuous electricity supply in relief centers, and stock essential medicines. Similarly, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik appealed to citizens to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow government advisories closely.
manageprinters.com | meinefinca.com | lantaolighting.com
fametize.com | stakoguiden.com
Impact on Daily Life
As Cyclone Montha approaches, normal life has been disrupted across several districts. Schools and colleges have been closed, and examinations postponed. Power outages have been reported in some coastal towns due to strong winds knocking down electricity poles.
In Visakhapatnam, residents have been asked to store drinking water and food supplies for at least two days, as precautionary power and water supply shutdowns are likely. In Gopalpur, heavy winds have already uprooted trees, and authorities are working round the clock to clear blocked roads.
Farmers in low-lying agricultural areas fear significant damage to paddy, coconut, and banana crops, which are at a critical stage of growth. The state agricultural departments are assessing potential losses and planning compensation measures for affected farmers.
Cyclone Montha’s Path and Intensity
Meteorologists note that Cyclone Montha is the fourth cyclone to form over the Bay of Bengal this year. The system rapidly intensified due to warm ocean waters exceeding 30°C, which provided the energy needed for cyclonic formation.
After landfall, Montha is expected to weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm and then into a deep depression as it moves inland toward Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. However, even as it weakens, it will continue to bring heavy rainfall to eastern and central India for the next 48 hours.
Rainfall intensity is likely to reduce by Tuesday morning, but waterlogging, fallen trees, and damage to infrastructure could take days to clear. The IMD has warned that localized flooding and landslides are possible in hilly regions.
Fishermen and Coastal Safety Measures
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have issued advisories and deployed ships and aircraft to warn fishermen at sea and assist in any emergencies. Ports such as Kakinada, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam have been instructed to hoist Cyclone Warning Signal No. 10, the highest level, indicating a severe storm threat.
Fishermen who ventured out before the alert have been advised to return immediately. The authorities have also banned tourists from visiting beaches and coastal areas for the next few days.
Government and Relief Efforts
The central government is closely monitoring the situation, with the Ministry of Home Affairs maintaining constant contact with state officials. Relief materials including food packets, tarpaulins, generators, and first-aid kits have been pre-positioned in vulnerable districts.
In Odisha, over 5,000 volunteers are assisting in relief operations. Mobile medical units have been deployed to provide emergency care in affected areas. The Power Department has prepared rapid response teams to restore electricity as soon as weather conditions permit.
In Andhra Pradesh, the government has activated toll-free helplines for citizens to report emergencies or request assistance. Disaster management officials are using drones to monitor flood-prone areas and track the storm’s movement.
Climate and Environmental Impact
Experts have pointed out that increasing sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal are contributing to more frequent and intense cyclones. Climate change, combined with erratic monsoon patterns, has made the eastern coast of India more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
According to climate scientists, the number of severe cyclones has doubled in the last two decades, highlighting the urgent need for improved early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and community awareness.
While India’s preparedness and forecasting have improved significantly, the growing unpredictability of storm patterns continues to challenge disaster management efforts.
Public Advisory
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors during landfall, avoid taking shelter under trees or near power lines, and keep battery-powered radios and emergency kits ready. Coastal residents are advised to move to higher ground and avoid venturing into the sea until the all-clear is issued.
People are also reminded not to spread rumors on social media and rely only on official weather updates from the IMD and state disaster management agencies.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Montha barrels toward the Indian coastline, both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are bracing for impact with heightened preparedness. The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining the extent of the storm’s damage.
While cyclones are not new to the region, every such event is a reminder of the importance of timely evacuation, infrastructure resilience, and environmental awareness. With coordinated efforts from governments, agencies, and citizens, the hope remains that loss of life and property will be minimized as Cyclone Montha makes its landfall tonight.
