Cyclone Montha to Make Landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28; IMD Issues Rain Alerts for Tamil Nadu, Odisha & West Bengal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Montha will make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening or night of October 28. The cyclone is expected to bring wind speeds between 90–100 km/h and heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple coastal states.

According to IMD, the system currently located over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. By October 27 (Monday morning), it is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and further strengthen into a

By Tuesday night, Cyclone Montha is forecasted to strike the Andhra coast with wind gusts of up to 110 km/h. The IMD has advised extreme caution and asked coastal residents to remain indoors during the peak hours of landfall.

IMD Advisories and Precautionary Measures

All NDRF and SDRF teams have been kept on high alert and are ready for deployment. The IMD has issued a stern warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea from October 26 to 29 along and off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry (Yanam), and Odisha.

Andhra Pradesh on High Alert

During a teleconference, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu briefed all district collectors, police superintendents, and senior officials about the approaching cyclone. He warned that the state could face gales up to 110 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm, affecting areas from Srikakulam to Tirupati.

Naidu directed officials to take all precautionary measures to avoid loss of life and property. He instructed local authorities to evacuate coastal residents to safer zones and consider declaring school holidays in vulnerable districts.

Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar shared that the state’s action plan includes provisions for post-cyclone relief distribution, fuel supply management, paddy procurement, and ensuring essential commodities in PDS stores.

Manohar also instructed oil companies and the state nodal officer to ensure adequate stock of petrol, diesel, and LPG in at-risk districts. The IMD further noted that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry could also receive moderate to heavy rainfall between October 26 and 29.

Odisha Under Red Alert: Government Activates Disaster Plan

With Cyclone Montha expected to make landfall in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha government has activated its disaster preparedness model. The IMD has placed several districts under red and orange alerts due to the high probability of extreme rainfall and strong winds.

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari held a high-level review meeting with district collectors, emphasizing readiness and ensuring adequate stock of medicine, relief materials, and emergency supplies. He said that around 15 districts in coastal and southern Odisha might experience adverse weather due to the cyclone’s outer influence.

Pujari added, “Even though IMD predicts that the cyclone will make landfall along the Andhra coast, we are prepared for any possible shift in its path.”

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan reviewed national-level preparedness and emphasized minimizing casualties and infrastructure damage. All concerned state governments have been directed to ensure timely evacuations, shelter readiness, and functioning district control rooms.

Rainfall Predicted in West Bengal as Cyclone Progresses Northward

As Cyclone Montha continues to move west-northwestward from the Bay of Bengal, parts of West Bengal are expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall starting October 28. According to an IMD official from the eastern region, districts such as South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Purba, and Paschim Medinipur will likely experience the first showers by Monday evening.

On October 29, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h are expected across North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Jhargram, Purba, and Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, and Kolkata. IMD has warned of isolated heavy rainfall in select areas of South Bengal.

On October 30, similar weather is expected over Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Paschim Bardhaman districts, with rainfall ranging between 7–11 cm. The IMD also cautioned that on October 31, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds may continue across all districts of South Bengal.

The IMD has urged residents in these regions to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and follow updates from local weather stations regularly.

Summary of IMD Forecast

In conclusion: Cyclone Montha is shaping up to be a severe weather event for eastern and southern India. Authorities across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have activated emergency protocols to ensure public safety. Citizens are advised to stay informed through official IMD bulletins and follow all precautionary measures.