Cyclone Montha strengthens over Bay of Bengal, East Coast on high alert

A deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Montha, the first cyclone of the year expected to strike the Indian mainland. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm is gaining strength quickly. It is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday before making landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast.

As the system advances, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have declared high alerts. Both states have begun precautionary evacuations, ordered school closures, and deployed disaster response teams. Heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas are expected to batter the eastern coast from Odisha to Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Path and Landfall Forecast

According to the IMD, the system is moving northwest and is expected to cross the Andhra coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada, on the evening of October 28. Meteorologists warned that several coastal and adjoining districts may experience intense rainfall, storm surges, and gusty winds exceeding 100 kmph.

Fishing operations have been suspended, and ports in Andhra Pradesh have hoisted warning signals. The IMD has advised fishermen to stay away from the sea until conditions stabilize.

Schools Closed, Evacuations Underway

With the storm drawing closer, authorities in both states have announced widespread school and college closures to ensure student safety.

In Andhra Pradesh, officials in Kakinada district began relocating residents from Hope Island to safer shelters. All schools in the district will remain closed from October 27 to 31 due to heavy rain forecasts.

In West Godavari and Eluru, a two-day holiday for schools and colleges has been declared on October 27 and 28.
East Godavari, Annamayya, and Kadapa districts have issued similar orders.
NTR, Bapatla, Krishna, and Guntur districts will shut schools from October 27 to 29.
In Konaseema, the final decision will depend on rainfall intensity and local weather conditions.

In Odisha, Gajapati district Collector Madhumita has ordered all schools, colleges, and anganwadi centres to remain closed until October 30. Other southern districts are expected to follow suit as the storm nears the coast.

Odisha Reviews Preparedness

Meanwhile, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari held a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the state’s preparedness. He identified eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur—as the most vulnerable. These districts have been placed under the Red Zone category due to the potential risk of flooding and strong winds.

Focus on Safety and Damage Control

Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh remain on alert as the cyclone edges closer. Disaster response teams are positioned across vulnerable areas. The administration aims to minimize casualties and property loss through timely evacuations and relief measures.

Officials have urged residents to stay indoors, follow IMD bulletins, and cooperate with local authorities. Coastal villages are receiving emergency supplies, while shelters are being readied for displaced families.

As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay, eastern India braces for its first major storm of the season.