A powerful weather system, Cyclone Montha, has brought widespread heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds to the eastern coast of India, prompting precautionary measures in multiple states. The storm is set to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh late on October 28, 2025, while areas such as Chennai have already experienced significant impact.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Montha as a severe cyclonic storm with sustained winds expected at 90–100 km/h and gusts reaching up to 110 km/h. The system is tracking north-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal at around 12–15 km/h. As of early October 28, it was located roughly 160 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam and 240 km south-southeast of Kakinada.
In Andhra Pradesh, authorities have mobilised major relief efforts. Up to 3.9 million people are estimated to be in vulnerable zones, and over 1,900 relief camps and 364 school-shelters have been readied. Evacuations are underway, with tens of thousands of residents from low-lying coastal areas being moved to safer locations.
In Chennai, the impact of Montha is already being felt. The local district collector has declared a holiday for all schools on Tuesday, October 28, as heavy rain, gusty winds, and flooding concerns have emerged. The IMD has issued orange and red alerts for several districts in Tamil Nadu, including the Chennai region, signalling heavy to very heavy rainfall and possible wind damage.
Transport disruption is also underway. Train services have been cancelled or diverted, and flights in key airports in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states have been suspended or delayed ahead of the landfall. Road traffic restrictions have been placed in coastal districts, with heavy vehicles barred on national highways from 7 pm as a precautionary measure.
Meteorologists warn that the coastal seas will become rough to very rough, with extremely high waves expected during and after landfall. The situation has been described as critical, especially for low-lying and flood-prone regions. Experts note that storms such as Montha are increasingly intense in the North Indian Ocean basin, underlining concerns about climate change’s influence on tropical cyclone behaviour in the region.
As Cyclone Montha approaches landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, early impact across Chennai and other coastal zones has already triggered major precautionary actions. With heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges likely, authorities are focused on ensuring minimal casualties and effective disaster management. The coming 24–48 hours will be crucial in determining the full extent of disruption and damage.
Residents in affected areas are urged to adhere to official instructions, avoid non-essential travel, and stay indoors if warned. The unfolding event highlights not just the immediate threats posed by tropical cyclones but also the longer-term challenge of increasing storm intensity along India’s east coast. Preparedness and rapid response remain essential in limiting impacts on lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
