Cyclone Montha will hit the Andhra coast tonight. Winds of 110 kmph and heavy rainfall are expected. Andhra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu are on high alert, with evacuation of people from coastal areas underway.
Cyclone Montha: Cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ (Cyclone Montha) is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast by tonight, October 28. The storm has formed over the Southwest and West-Central Bay of Bengal and is now rapidly moving in a north-northwesterly direction. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), it will make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. During this period, winds with speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour are expected, raising fears of significant damage. In view of this threat, a high alert has been declared in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
Sea Waves Reach 4.7 Meters High
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Meteorological Department (IMD) have warned that as Cyclone Montha intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, sea waves ranging from 2 to 4.7 meters in height could surge along the coastal areas from Nellore to Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. This condition is expected to persist from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM. The administration has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and appealed to residents of coastal villages to seek refuge in elevated areas.
Large-Scale Evacuation Underway
In view of the increasing threat posed by Cyclone Montha, the Andhra Pradesh administration has initiated the evacuation of people from coastal areas to safer locations. Thousands have been moved to temporary relief camps. Twenty-two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and several units of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in potentially affected districts. Medical teams and emergency services are also active alongside the relief teams.
Administration on High Alert, Helpline Numbers Issued
The state administration has completed all preparations to tackle Cyclone Montha. 24x7 control rooms have been activated, and 74 relief centers are ready. Adequate arrangements have been made for clean drinking water, food supplies, medicines, and fuel. Communication systems have been kept active by installing generators on mobile towers to ensure connectivity is not disrupted in any situation. The administration has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and contact the helpline numbers provided below in case of an emergency. Collector Office, Anakapalli: 08924-222888, 08924-226599, 08924-225999. Revenue Divisional Officer Office, Anakapalli: 08924-223316. Revenue Divisional Officer Office, Narsipatnam: 08932-224420.
Winds to Reach 110 Kilometers Per Hour
The Meteorological Department has informed that during Cyclone Montha's landfall, wind speeds will range from 90 to 100 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 110 kilometers per hour. The storm has intensified into a severe cyclonic category. This could lead to uprooted trees, fallen electricity poles, and damage to house roofs. Power and internet services in coastal districts may also be affected.
Warning of Heavy Rain and Waterlogging
During landfall, the sea level in low-lying areas of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam could rise by up to one meter above normal. This poses a risk of waterlogging and flood-like conditions. The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall in many areas of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places, until October 29. The administration has advised people to remain safe in their homes and stock up on essential items.
Impact in Vidarbha (Maharashtra) Too
Cyclone Montha's impact may also be felt in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall in Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Washim, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Gondia, and Nagpur until October 30. Winds are estimated to blow at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour in these areas. People have been advised to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms with lightning.
Cyclone Montha's Impact on Train Services
Due to Cyclone Montha, Indian Railways has canceled several trains, prioritizing passenger safety. The East Coast Railway has announced that over two dozen trains have been canceled, and the routes of many others have been altered. Railways has requested passengers to check the train status before traveling to avoid any inconvenience.
Schools and Colleges Closed in Tamil Nadu
Due to Cyclone Montha and continuous heavy rainfall, schools and colleges have been closed in several districts of Tamil Nadu. In Chengalpattu and Cuddalore districts, the district administration has declared holidays for all educational institutions in view of heavy rain and waterlogging. Schools in Chennai have also been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday, as normal life has been disrupted by waterlogging in many parts of the city.
Considering the severity of Cyclone Montha, both the central and state governments are fully alert. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has instructed all affected states to ensure no negligence in relief and rescue operations. The administration is continuously monitoring the situation, and hourly updates are being issued. Citizens have been urged not to believe rumors and to rely only on official information.
