Cyclone Montha to Hit Andhra Coast Near Kakinada: Severe Storm Alert for Andhra Pradesh & Odisha — Heavy Rains, High Winds Expected
Cyclone Montha, the season’s first major storm in the Bay of Bengal, is intensifying rapidly and moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system, currently centered over the west-central Bay of Bengal, is likely to make landfall near Kakinada around midnight on Tuesday, crossing the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam.
The cyclone is expected to strengthen into a “severe cyclonic storm” before landfall, with wind speeds ranging between 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. After crossing the coast, the storm will move towards southern Odisha, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert — CM Chandrababu Naidu Reviews Preparations
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued high alerts in the districts of Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Eluru, and East Godavari. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure there are zero casualties and complete preparedness.
Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, who chaired a review meeting at the Kakinada Collectorate, confirmed that 269 rehabilitation centres have been set up with essential facilities. Additionally, 30 NDRF and 50 SDRF teams have been deployed for rescue operations.
“All precautionary measures are in place. Earthmovers, tractors, and generators with adequate fuel are ready. Nearly 140 pregnant women from nearby villages have been shifted to hospitals. Essential goods and medicines have been stocked, and schools and colleges will remain closed till Wednesday,” said Manohar.
All fishing boats have been called back to shore, and residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been urged to move to safer locations.
Odisha, Tamil Nadu to Witness Heavy Rains
While Andhra Pradesh will bear the brunt of Cyclone Montha, the storm’s impact will also be felt across southern Odisha and northern Tamil Nadu.
- Odisha: The state government has evacuated over 3,000 people from low-lying and vulnerable regions. Among them are 1,496 pregnant women, who have been shifted to hospitals for safety.
- 140 teams from NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services have been deployed. Schools and Anganwadi centres will remain shut in eight red zone districts till Thursday.
- Districts such as Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are under close watch due to possible landslide threats.
- Bhubaneswar and southern parts of Odisha are already experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, is expected to see heavy rainfall and gusty winds as the storm moves inland.
IMD Forecast: Storm to Weaken After Landfall
According to IMD projections, Montha will gradually weaken into a deep depression after making landfall and moving northwestward. However, extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds may persist for several hours post-landfall, leading to flooding in low-lying regions and damage to crops and infrastructure.
Residents along the Andhra coast are advised to stay indoors, follow official updates, and avoid venturing near the sea until the storm subsides.
Key Safety Measures for Residents
- Avoid travel to coastal areas till IMD declares conditions safe.
- Keep mobile phones charged and emergency kits ready.
- Store essential items — dry food, water, and first-aid supplies.
- Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
- Stay tuned to official weather bulletins and district alerts.
Summary
- Cyclone Name: Montha
- Current Location: West-Central Bay of Bengal
- Expected Landfall: Near Kakinada, midnight Tuesday
- Wind Speed: 90–100 kmph, gusts up to 110 kmph
- States Affected: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu
- IMD Status: Severe Cyclonic Storm Warning