Andhra coast on high alert as Cyclone Montha approaches for landfall
Visakhapatnam — Cyclone Montha intensified into a severe storm over the Bay of Bengal on Monday. The system now threatens Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with destructive winds and torrential rain. Authorities rushed to complete evacuations before the expected landfall near Kakinada late tonight.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone was centred 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam and 340 km south of Visakhapatnam on Monday morning. Wind speeds reached up to 110 kmph, while rough seas battered the coast. IMD said the storm would likely cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam by Monday evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Andhra Pradesh of full central support. He reviewed the situation and instructed agencies to stay on alert.
Andhra Pradesh braces for impact
Heavy rain and squally winds lashed several coastal districts, including Chittoor, Tirupati and Kakinada. Floodwaters from the Kushasthali river cut off major roads in Nagari constituency. Police diverted vehicles through alternate routes as strong currents made riverbanks unsafe. Officials released 1,000 cusecs of water from the Krishnapuram reservoir to ease pressure.
In Kakinada, gusty winds uprooted trees and snapped power lines. Waves surged inland at Uppada and Subbampet, worsening coastal erosion. Police teams moved families to safer shelters in low-lying villages such as Mayapatnam and Suradapet. Disaster management officials said rescue forces would remain on standby through the night.
Odisha on red alert
Although the storm will make landfall in Andhra, Odisha prepared for heavy spillover rain. The state government issued a red alert in eight southern districts — including Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati. “Our target is zero casualty,” said Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.
He said the state opened 1,445 cyclone shelters and deployed 140 rescue teams from the NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services. Around 32,000 residents were being shifted from vulnerable areas. Authorities also identified landslide-prone zones in hilly districts.
Bengal readies for rain
The IMD forecasted heavy showers and strong winds for southern West Bengal from Tuesday. Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and coastal Medinipur districts are likely to witness gusts up to 90 kmph. Coastal police in South 24 Parganas urged fishermen to return to shore by Monday evening. Control rooms and relief camps have been set up across affected areas.
The agriculture department advised farmers to finish paddy harvesting quickly to prevent losses. North Bengal could see rain by October 29 as Montha moves inland.
Tamil Nadu on watch
Tamil Nadu’s northern districts — Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Ranipet — saw continuous rain. The Regional Meteorological Centre said Montha lay 480 km east of Chennai. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected flood-prone areas and reviewed drainage work. “The government is ready even if rain increases,” he said.
Flights, trains hit
The cyclone disrupted air and rail traffic. Six flights between Visakhapatnam and Chennai were cancelled. IndiGo warned travellers of weather-related delays around Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry.
Several trains were cancelled or short-terminated. The Howrah–Jagdalpur Samaleswari Express will now stop at Rayagada. The Hirakhand Express and Intercity Express will run only between Bhubaneswar and Rayagada or Rourkela.
As night approaches, rescue teams remain on the ground while coastal states brace for Montha’s full impact.
