Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are on high alert as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, with landfall expected near Kakinada on October 28 evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the system may strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds up to 110 kmph, and storm surges along the coast.
Cyclone Path and Forecast
As of Monday morning, Cyclone Montha was positioned around 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada and 850 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha. IMD reports suggest the storm will intensify further before crossing the Andhra coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. Sustained winds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, are expected during landfall, with a storm surge of nearly one metre in low-lying areas.
“Residents in coastal Andhra and southern Odisha are advised to remain indoors during the cyclone’s approach,” said S. Jagannath Kumar, IMD scientist from Amaravati. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely on October 28 and 29.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to maintain “zero loss of life” as the primary goal. District administrations across five coastal districts — Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari — have initiated evacuations, closed schools, and prepared relief shelters.
In Kakinada, residents from Hope Island have been moved to safer zones, while Konaseema authorities have arranged shelters for over 6,000 people from 34 villages and relocated 428 expectant mothers to health facilities. West Godavari has suspended all beach and resort activities, and NDRF teams are on standby with rescue equipment.
Odisha Declares Red-Zone Districts
Though Odisha lies outside the direct path of landfall, the state expects intense peripheral impact. Eight southern districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi — have been marked as red zones for heavy rain and strong winds.
State Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management Suresh Pujari said 128 response teams, including ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Service units, are already deployed. Evacuations from landslide-prone and hilly regions are expected to conclude by Monday evening. Government staff leaves have been cancelled, and hospitals instructed to ensure uninterrupted power.
Fishing and Coastal Preparations
Fishing activity along both coasts has been completely suspended. Over 21,000 boats, including 2,000 trawlers, have been anchored at harbours in Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Paradip, and Kharinashi. Authorities have warned fishermen against venturing into the sea, emphasizing safety amid repeated low-pressure disturbances this season.
Relief, Fuel, and Communication Measures
The Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Department has stocked essential commodities at mandal-level centers. Fuel stations in coastal areas are maintaining full reserves of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Telecom companies have been instructed to install backup generators to maintain network connectivity during and after the cyclone.
Tourism Curbs and Safety Steps
In Odisha’s Gajapati district, major tourist attractions including Mahendragiri and Jirang Monastery have been closed as a precaution. All cyclone shelters are operational, and local control rooms are active at the panchayat level.
Vizag Residents Recall Hudhud
In Visakhapatnam, residents are preparing for the storm, recalling the devastation caused by Cyclone Hudhud in 2014. Many households have begun stocking food, water, and fuel in anticipation of power disruptions.
IMD’s Advisory
The IMD forecasts widespread rainfall over Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha from October 27 to 29, with wind speeds of 45–65 kmph even before landfall. Authorities urge people in vulnerable coastal zones to stay indoors and follow official advisories closely.
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