As Cyclone Montha barrels toward India’s eastern coast, three states Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal are on high alert with authorities closing schools, cancelling government leaves, and preparing emergency teams for possible rescue and relief operations.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha, which formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 26, is expected to intensify into a “severe cyclonic storm” by October 28 and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, likely near Kakinada, on the Andhra coast during the evening or night of October 28.
IMD Forecast: Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds
The IMD has issued red and orange alerts across several districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and wind speeds gusting up to 80 kmph.
Rainfall predictions by region:
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Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe: October 27–28
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Coastal Karnataka: October 26–28
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Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: October 26–30
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Telangana & Odisha: October 27–30
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Chhattisgarh: October 27–30
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West Bengal: October 28–31
In Odisha, districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi are under a red alert, signaling the possibility of extremely heavy rain and strong winds.
In West Bengal, light to moderate rain is expected from October 27 in Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, and Hooghly, with north Bengal districts like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar likely to see heavy rainfall between October 30 and 31.
Odisha on Full Alert: Evacuations, Schools Closed, Officials on Duty
The Odisha government has placed all 30 districts on alert, with five under a red warning. Over 5,000 trained personnel including 24 teams of ODRAF, five NDRF units, and 99 Fire Service teams have been deployed for emergency operations.
Officials have identified 139 landslide-prone locations in Gajapati district, and residents in hilly regions are being shifted to safer areas. Pregnant women, the elderly, and monks (“sadhus”) living in elevated terrains are being evacuated as a precaution.
“People from vulnerable hill regions are being moved to cyclone shelters. Evacuations will be completed by Monday evening,” said Gajapati District Collector Madhumita.
To ensure preparedness, the administration has:
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Cancelled all government employee leaves in nine districts
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Closed all schools and Anganwadi centers till October 30
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Restricted tourist entry to Puri’s beaches between October 27–29
Andhra Pradesh Readies for Landfall
The Andhra Pradesh government has drawn up a comprehensive action plan covering essential supplies, relief stockpiles, and post-cyclone recovery.
State Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar said that food grains, fuel, and essential commodities have been pre-positioned:
“All fair price shops in coastal areas will be stocked by October 26. Diesel and LPG reserves are being ensured at mandal-level depots, telecom towers, hospitals, and cyclone shelters,” he stated.
Fishermen and Tourists Warned
The IMD has strictly warned fishermen against venturing into the Bay of Bengal and West Bengal coast between October 28–30, urging those already at sea to return by October 27.
Public advisories have also been issued through loudspeakers and local radio, asking residents of low-lying areas to remain alert and avoid traveling during landfall hours.
What’s Expected After Landfall
Officials fear that 15 districts across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh may face strong winds, flash floods, and localized damage to power and communication lines. Landslides remain a major concern in Odisha’s hilly southern belt.
The IMD has emphasized that the cyclone’s trajectory and intensity may change slightly, but its impact zone remains concentrated between Kakinada and Kalingapatnam.
Summary
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Landfall: Evening/Night of October 28, near Kakinada
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Wind Speeds: Up to 80 kmph, gusty winds expected
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States on Alert: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal
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Schools Closed: Till October 30 in several districts
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Fishermen Alert: Return by October 27
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Rescue Teams: ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Service on standby
Cyclone Montha: India’s East Coast on Edge
As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, India’s eastern coast braces for impact. Governments have stepped up preparations, but the true test will unfold over the next 48 hours when nature’s fury meets human resilience.
