Cyclone Montha, brewing over the Bay of Bengal, is set to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on the evening of October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, currently intensifying, is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm with maximum wind speeds reaching 110 kmph.
Cyclone’s Path and Intensity
As of early Monday, Cyclone Montha was located about 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada and 850 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha. IMD’s latest update predicts that the cyclone will intensify further within the next 12 hours before making landfall along the Andhra coast. Coastal regions are expected to witness storm surges up to one metre, accompanied by torrential rainfall and high winds.
“Residents in coastal Andhra and southern Odisha must remain indoors once the cyclone approaches. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected on October 28 and 29,” said S. Jagannath Kumar, IMD scientist from Amaravati.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed all district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure zero loss of life. Following a review meeting, the Machilipatnam–Kakinada belt was identified as the most vulnerable zone. Districts including Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari have initiated emergency measures.
Schools in the affected areas will remain closed from October 27 to 31, and relief camps have been set up to accommodate evacuees. In Konaseema, shelters for over 6,000 residents have been prepared, and 428 pregnant women have been moved to health centres. NDRF teams and heavy machinery are on standby for rescue and relief operations.
Authorities in West Godavari have ordered the closure of educational institutions and suspended beach activities. People living in dilapidated or low-lying areas are being shifted to temporary shelters.
Odisha Declares Red-Zone Districts
Although Odisha is not directly in the cyclone’s path, eight southern districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi—have been placed under red alert due to expected heavy rainfall and strong winds.
State Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that 128 response teams, including ODRAF, NDRF, and 99 Fire Service units, have been deployed. “Evacuations from risk-prone areas will be completed by Monday evening. Our objective is zero casualty,” he said.
Odisha has also cancelled all government employee leaves, set up 24×7 control rooms, and ensured uninterrupted power supply at hospitals.
Fishing Suspended, Ports on Alert
Fishing operations have been completely suspended along the Andhra and Odisha coasts. Over 21,000 boats, including 2,000 trawlers, have returned to harbour following IMD warnings. “We have used loudspeakers to alert fishermen. Anyone venturing into the sea will face strict action,” said Rabi Narayan Patnaik, Joint Director, Fisheries Department.
Many fishing communities expressed concern over repeated weather disruptions this year. “Continuous low-pressure systems have already affected our livelihoods. Montha will keep us grounded once again,” said Narayan Haldar, President of the Odisha Matsyajibi Forum.
Relief and Connectivity Measures
The Andhra Civil Supplies Department has taken steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of food, fuel, and essential commodities. Minister N. Manohar stated that PDS stocks are in place at mandal levels, while fuel stations have been instructed to maintain 100% inventory. Telecom companies have set up backup power systems to maintain connectivity during the storm.
Tourism and Travel Restrictions
In Odisha’s Gajapati district, popular tourist spots including Mahendragiri and Jirang Monastery have been temporarily closed to prevent accidents. Control rooms are operational at the panchayat level, and officials have been appointed as block coordinators in vulnerable regions.
‘Hudhud’ Memories Haunt Vizag Residents
In Visakhapatnam, residents are recalling the devastation caused by Cyclone Hudhud in 2014, which left the city paralysed for days. “We have stocked food, water, and fuel. No one wants a repeat of Hudhud,” said Krishna, a resident of MVP Colony.
IMD Advisory
The IMD has warned of widespread rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha between October 27 and 29, with wind speeds of 45–65 kmph even before landfall. Citizens have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and follow official advisories for safety.
