A powerful tropical storm, Cyclone Montha, is making its way toward the eastern Indian coastline, with landfall expected this evening along the shores of Andhra Pradesh. With maximum sustained winds estimated at 90 to 110 km/h and forecasted very heavy rainfall, authorities have raised red alerts for multiple coastal districts and launched large-scale evacuations. The situation also warrants high-alert status in neighbouring Odisha, as the storm moves inland.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Montha as a “severe cyclonic storm” over the Bay of Bengal, tracking toward a landfall region between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near the city of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Strong gusts of up to 110 km/h and rainfall totals exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours across several districts are projected.
Authorities have issued a red alert in 16 to 19 coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, and ongoing evacuations are underway. According to official estimates, as many as 3.9 million people could be affected in low-lying areas of the state. In neighbouring Odisha, southern districts have been placed under red alert, and evacuation operations are also in progress.
Transport and logistics have been disrupted as the cyclone advances. Over 25 trains in the East Coast Railway zone have been cancelled as a precaution, and bus services in vulnerable areas have been suspended by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Relief camps and shelters have been established, while the state government has mobilised teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state-level agencies to ensure preparedness and swift response.
The expected impacts include coastal inundation from storm surges rising up to one metre above astronomical tide levels, submergence of low-lying villages, uprooting of trees, damage to power lines, and flooding of agricultural fields. Additionally, rainfall associated with the cyclone is likely to extend inland, affecting parts of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region in the coming days.
Disaster-management authorities have emphasised their goal of achieving “zero casualty” during the event and have urged residents in vulnerable coastal zones to evacuate promptly, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories closely.
As Cyclone Montha approaches landfall, the risk along India’s east coast has entered a critical phase. With strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding looming, the coordinated response by state and central agencies will be vital in mitigating damage and protecting lives. Residents in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are being urged to stay indoors and remain alert. The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial in determining the cyclone’s impact and the scale of recovery efforts needed in the aftermath.
