Cyclone Montha’s Alert
October 27, 2025: The cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ brewing in the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning, prompting high alerts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh, while Odisha braces for heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed the administration to remain on high alert, and schools and colleges in Anakapalle have been ordered closed from October 27 to 29. With the potential to cause significant disruption, ‘Montha’ is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous cyclones of 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the storm’s trajectory, impact, and preparedness measures.
Cyclone Montha Tracker: When and Where Will It Hit?
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Montha is currently centered over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. As of 5:30 AM IST on October 27, the storm was located approximately 560 km east-southeast of Chennai, 620 km southeast of Kakinada, 650 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 790 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha). It is moving northwest at a speed of 15 km/h.
- Intensity and Speed: The storm is expected to pack sustained wind speeds of 90-100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h. It is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, by the evening or night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm.
- Affected Areas: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh from October 27 to 30. Coastal areas may experience a storm surge of up to 1 meter, potentially causing flooding in low-lying regions.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh: Red-Orange Alerts Issued
The Andhra Pradesh government is on high alert as Cyclone Montha approaches. The IMD has issued:
- Red Alert for districts like Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and East Godavari, indicating extremely heavy rainfall and high risk of flooding.
- Orange Alert for 20 other districts, signaling the need for preparedness against heavy rains and strong winds.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has instructed district collectors to ensure zero loss of life. Key measures include:
- Evacuations: Residents in low-lying coastal areas are being evacuated to safer locations.
- Closure of Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges in Anakapalle and other vulnerable districts will remain closed from October 27 to 29 to ensure student safety.
- Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea until October 30, and those at sea are being recalled urgently.
The state has mobilized National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, with relief camps set up to accommodate displaced residents. Emergency helplines have been activated, and essential supplies like food, water, and medicines are being stockpiled.
Odisha Braces for Heavy Rainfall
Odisha is also gearing up for the cyclone’s impact, with the IMD forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal districts like Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur. The state government has:
- Deployed rescue and relief teams in vulnerable areas.
- Issued warnings to fishermen and coastal communities.
- Set up control rooms to monitor the situation around the clock.
The Odisha government is coordinating with the IMD to track the storm’s path and has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel during the peak impact period.
Potential Impacts and Precautions
Cyclone Montha could bring:
- Heavy Rainfall: Up to 20-30 cm of rain in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, leading to flash floods and waterlogging.
- Strong Winds: Gusts up to 110 km/h may damage infrastructure, uproot trees, and disrupt power supply.
- Storm Surge: A surge of up to 1 meter could inundate low-lying coastal areas, affecting homes and agriculture.
Safety Tips for Residents:
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates through reliable sources like IMD and local news.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials like food, water, medicines, and flashlights.
- Avoid Travel: Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
- Secure Property: Reinforce windows, doors, and roofs to minimize damage from strong winds.
Why Is Cyclone Montha a Concern?
Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal during October and November are often intense due to warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. ‘Montha’ is expected to follow a trajectory similar to past cyclones like Hudhud (2014) and Titli (2018), which caused significant damage in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The IMD’s early warnings and the proactive measures by state governments aim to minimize the impact, but residents are urged to remain vigilant.
How to Stay Updated
For real-time updates on Cyclone Montha:
- Visit the IMD website (IMD Mausam – India Meteorological Department) for official bulletins.
- Follow local news channels and government social media handles.
As Cyclone Montha approaches, both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are taking no chances. With robust preparedness measures in place, the focus is on ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing damage. Stay safe, stay informed, and follow official advisories to navigate this severe weather event.
