Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Rough Seas Predicted Along East Coast
India’s east coast is bracing for its first major landfalling cyclone of the year as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into Cyclone Montha. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday and make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh by Tuesday evening or night (October 28).
The IMD has sounded red alerts for 13 coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh, warning of torrential rain, high-speed winds, and turbulent sea conditions through Tuesday.
Heavy Rainfall from Tamil Nadu to Odisha
The weather department has forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall (115–210 mm within 24 hours) across Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, and coastal Karnataka until Tuesday.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, south Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are also expected to experience intense showers and thunderstorms until October 30.
As of Saturday, satellite images showed the deep depression positioned 620 km west of Port Blair, 780 km east-southeast of Chennai, 830 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 830 km southeast of Kakinada, and 930 km south-southeast of Gopalpur.
The IMD stated that the system would continue to move west-northwestwards, gathering strength as it crosses the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
Where Cyclone Montha Is Headed
The storm is projected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada, as a severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday evening or night.
The IMD’s red alert for Tuesday covers Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Aitharama Raju, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, East Godavari, Eluru, Konaseema, Guntur, Krishna, Bapatla, and West Godavari districts.
Orange alerts have been issued for parts of Odisha and north Tamil Nadu, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Kandhamal, Ganjam, and Thiruvallur, warning of localized flooding and wind damage.
State on Alert: Andhra Pradesh Steps Up Preparedness
The Andhra Pradesh government has activated emergency protocols across coastal districts. District collectors have been instructed to ensure evacuation plans, stockpile relief materials, and maintain constant communication with state control rooms.
Emergency funds have already been released for 11 districts, and 8 NDRF teams along with 9 SDRF teams have been deployed on standby.
Educational institutions along the coast will remain closed till Wednesday, while fishing operations, port activities, and beach tourism have been suspended as a safety measure.
Authorities have also arranged mobile hospital units (“hospitals-on-wheels”) in Kakinada and are setting up medical camps in high-risk areas to manage any potential emergencies.
A Familiar Threat in October
Cyclone Montha adds to a long list of October storms that have impacted Andhra Pradesh over the years.
Notable ones include:
- Cyclone Titli (2018) — struck near Palasa, Srikakulam, causing widespread damage.
- Cyclone Hudhud (2014) — made landfall over Visakhapatnam, one of the strongest to hit the region in recent memory.
- Cyclone Kyant (2016) — weakened off the coast but disrupted weather patterns.
- Cyclone Ogni (2006) — crossed between Ongole and Machilipatnam in late October.
Travellers, Take Note
For those traveling across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu over the next few days, it’s best to avoid coastal routes, beaches, and ferry services until conditions stabilize. Flight and train schedules in affected areas may also face disruptions. Travelers are advised to stay updated through IMD alerts and local advisories before planning intercity or coastal travel.
With sea conditions turning rough and wind speeds expected to surge, the next 48 hours are critical for India’s eastern coastline. As Cyclone Montha gathers strength, authorities and residents alike are gearing up to weather the storm once again.
