Cyclone Montha, brewing over the Bay of Bengal, is moving steadily toward the Andhra Pradesh coastline and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the evening of October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned that the system could hit as a severe cyclonic storm, bringing wind speeds of 90 to 110 kilometres per hour along with intense rainfall.
Disaster management authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal have moved into action as the cyclone gathers strength. Evacuation of residents from coastal and low-lying regions is already underway, while local administrations have opened temporary relief camps equipped with food, drinking water, and medical assistance. Fishing operations have been halted, and ports have been instructed to remain on alert until further notice.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Montha is expected to intensify further before it crosses the coast. The most significant impact is anticipated between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, with Kakinada likely to experience the centre of the storm. District administrations have issued red alerts in several regions, urging residents to remain indoors as strong winds and torrential rain could damage structures, uproot trees, and disrupt essential services.
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the closure of schools and colleges in districts likely to face severe weather conditions. Officials have activated emergency control rooms to coordinate response measures and have instructed power and communication departments to stay prepared for quick restoration in case of outages. Relief materials such as dry rations, first aid, and emergency lighting have been stocked in cyclone shelters across coastal towns.
In Odisha, precautionary steps have also been intensified. Disaster response forces have been deployed to high-risk areas, and residents of vulnerable coastal villages are being shifted to safety. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Indian Navy are maintaining readiness for rescue and relief operations once landfall occurs.
Meteorologists have highlighted that the post-monsoon months often witness cyclonic developments over the Bay of Bengal due to warm sea surface temperatures. These conditions enable storms to strengthen rapidly, posing significant risks to life, agriculture, and infrastructure in coastal states. Officials have therefore stressed the importance of early warnings and community-level preparedness.
Cyclone Montha is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flash floods, and rough sea conditions, with the potential for storm surges in low-lying coastal regions. Farmers have been advised to secure crops and livestock, while residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
As the storm approaches the coastline, coordination between disaster management teams, local administrations, and central agencies remains crucial. The next 24 hours will be vital in determining the cyclone’s full impact, as authorities focus on ensuring safety and minimizing damage through swift response and effective communication.
