Cyclone Montha Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal; Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu on High Alert

By : Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk

Chennai: Authorities across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are on high alert as a developing cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal intensifies and moves closer to India’s eastern coast. The storm, to be named Cyclone Montha (a name suggested by Thailand), is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough sea conditions from October 27 onward.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching 90–100 kmph and is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on October 28.

System Position and Progress

As of Saturday, the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal had moved nearly westwards and was centered approximately 460 km west-southwest of Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), 950 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), 960 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 970 km southeast of Kakinada, and 1,030 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha). The IMD predicts the system will intensify into a deep depression by October 26 and develop into a cyclonic storm by October 27.

Odisha on Alert

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said all key departments—including Health, Water Resources, Energy, and Agriculture—are on standby. “Odisha is highly vulnerable to natural disasters… all arrangements for relief centres, evacuation, and essential supplies have been made. Citizens should remain calm and follow official advisories,” Pujari stated.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert across coastal and southern districts, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall between October 27 and 29, along with wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh Prepares for Landfall

In Andhra Pradesh, disaster management teams have been mobilized, especially along the coast and in parts of the Rayalaseema region. The government has directed district administrations to prepare for flooding, power disruptions, and possible evacuations. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea starting October 26.

Tamil Nadu Braces for Heavy Rain

Tamil Nadu’s Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast intense rainfall in northern districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, from October 26 onward. An orange alert has been issued for Monday, predicting rainfall up to 20 cm.
The India Coast Guard has guided nearly 1,000 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry back to safe harbours, while coastal residents have been asked to stay indoors and monitor weather updates.

Emergency Measures and Public Advisory

Local authorities in all three states are setting up relief shelters, control rooms, and emergency response teams. Water discharge from reservoirs such as Poondi in Tamil Nadu has been stepped up to prevent overflow. The IMD continues to track the system closely, warning of rough seas, strong winds, and possible flooding in low-lying areas. “There will be more clarity on the exact landfall and impact once the system moves closer to the coast,” said Manorama Mohanty, Director, IMD Bhubaneswar.