Disaster management and government authorities across the eastern coast of India are on high alert as Cyclonic Storm Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The storm is forecast to develop into a severe cyclonic storm by October 26, prompting a heavy rainfall warning for three states starting October 27.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has been moving west-northwest in the last six hours. As of 11:30 pm on October 25, the system was centered approximately 850 km east-southeast of Chennai, 890 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 890 km southeast of Kakinada.
The IMD projects that Cyclone Montha will intensify further and make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, specifically near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, during the evening or night of October 28. Wind speeds are expected to increase to 60–70 km/h in certain areas, with gusts potentially reaching up to 80 km/h upon approach.
Rainfall Forecast and Alerts
- Andhra Pradesh: The state is bracing for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from October 27 to October 28 across several places in Yanam and Rayalaseema. A Yellow Warning has been issued for the entire state for October 26 in preparation for the intensifying storm.
- Odisha: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also expected in several districts on October 28 and 29. The most vulnerable districts include Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
- Tamil Nadu: The state is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall at most places, with isolated heavy rainfall expected during October 25–26 and again on October 28. Chennai, in particular, is on a rain alert ahead of the possible formation of the severe cyclone.
Preparedness in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
In light of the severe weather warning, state disaster machinery has been fully activated:
- Odisha’s Fire Department is on high alert. Fire Officer Prabhat Kumar confirmed that preparation for the approaching storm includes readying essential equipment, such as the SRC boat and the draft team.
- Health and Safety: Health facilities have been placed on standby. Crucially, authorities are making focused efforts to pre-emptively shift pregnant mothers who are expecting in the next few days to safer locations, minimizing risks during the severe weather.
- Fishermen across the coast have been strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the sea.