Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, triggering alerts across multiple states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system is expected to make landfall between Kakinada and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh on the night of October 28, packing winds up to 110 kmph and heavy rain.
Along the Andhra coast, authorities have begun mass evacuations in low-lying villages, with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed across East and West Godavari, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam. Nearly 3,700 villages are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall. Power, health, and disaster response departments are on high alert, while fishermen have been barred from venturing into the sea.
Further south, Tamil Nadu is facing the storm’s outer effects. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram districts, forecasting 50–70 mm of rain and strong winds. Schools in several districts were closed as heavy showers led to waterlogging and traffic snarls across Chennai. Though the cyclone won’t make landfall in the state, gusty winds and flooding risks remain high.
In neighbouring Karnataka, the IMD has sounded a yellow alert for Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, and Ramanagara, warning of flash floods in low-lying areas as Montha’s outer bands push inland. Coastal Karnataka could experience squally winds up to 60 kmph. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during intense rainfall and avoid flooded roads and stormwater drains.
Odisha has also been placed under watch, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in coastal districts such as Ganjam, Puri, and Khurda. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal.
Even Rajasthan, hundreds of kilometres away, is feeling the ripple effect. The state has recorded light rain and a 6–8°C drop in temperature, bringing welcome relief but also affecting harvested crops.
Cyclone Montha’s wide footprint, stretching from the Bay’s edge to India’s northern plains, is a stark reminder of nature’s reach. As authorities maintain high alert, citizens are urged to follow official advisories, stay indoors, and prioritise safety over routine.
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