Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, heading toward Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. IMD issues red alerts for heavy rainfall, floods, and strong winds.
Cyclone Montha: India Braces for a Severe Cyclonic Storm
TheInterviewTimes.com | New Delhi | October 28, 2025 — As of October 28, 2025, India braces for the landfall of Cyclone Montha, a severe cyclonic storm rapidly strengthening over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding along the eastern coastline.
The approach of Cyclone Montha highlights the increasing intensity of post-monsoon storms in the Bay of Bengal, with government agencies mobilizing large-scale disaster management measures across affected regions.
What is Cyclone Montha? Origin and Meaning
Cyclone Montha is the newest tropical disturbance in the Bay of Bengal, named under the World Meteorological Organization’s list of regional cyclones. The name “Montha”, contributed by Thailand, translates to “fragrant flower” in Thai.
The system began as a low-pressure area on October 24, 2025, and intensified into a cyclonic storm by October 27, fuelled by warm sea surface temperatures above 26.5°C and favourable wind conditions.
According to IMD data, Cyclone Montha currently sustains winds between 90–100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h, with potential to strengthen before landfall.
Formation and Path of Cyclone Montha
The storm developed approximately 620 km west of Port Blair and moved north-westward toward India’s east coast. By October 27, Cyclone Montha was positioned around 420 km east of Chennai and 450 km south-southeast of Kakinada.
IMD forecasts indicate Cyclone Montha will make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam (near Kakinada) on October 28 evening or night, bringing gale-force winds and storm surges of 2–3 meters in low-lying areas.
Satellite imagery shows well-defined convective bands and a developing eye structure, signalling a mature storm system heading toward Andhra Pradesh.
Current Weather and Intensity Updates
On October 28 morning, Cyclone Montha intensified further, with squally winds of 60–70 km/h already affecting the coastal belt. The sea condition remains very rough, with wave heights up to 5.5 meters reported between Nellore and Srikakulam.
Rainfall data show 52.2 mm in Visakhapatnam, heavy showers in Machilipatnam, and widespread downpours in Odisha’s Gajapati district. The IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall for:
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam: October 27–29
- Odisha: October 28–29
- Chhattisgarh and Telangana: October 28
- Tamil Nadu and West Bengal: Moderate to heavy rainfall until October 30
Authorities have warned of localized flooding, landslides, and power disruptions in vulnerable areas as Cyclone Montha approaches full strength.
IMD Alerts: Red, Orange, and Yellow Warnings
The IMD has issued a multi-tiered alert system for Cyclone Montha:
- 🔴 Red Alert: Coastal Andhra Pradesh (Oct 27–29), Odisha (Oct 28–29)
- 🟠 Orange Alert: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry (Yanam), and south Odisha for heavy rain and gusty winds
- 🟡 Yellow Alert: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Maharashtra for moderate rainfall
Fishing activities remain banned until October 30, and over 600 boats have been secured. Coastal residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid sea travel during this period.
State Preparations and Evacuations
Across Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has activated the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. Over 50,000 residents from coastal districts have been moved to 118 relief shelters.
In Odisha, 3,000 people from eight southern districts—including Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Ganjam—have been evacuated. 128 emergency teams are on standby for rescue and medical assistance.
Tamil Nadu declared a public holiday in Chennai and Tiruvallur on October 28, while Yanam in Puducherry remains under orange alert.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed preparedness and assured central government support, while NDMA and the Indian Army coordinate logistics and relief.
Transportation Disruptions: Flights, Trains, and Ports
Cyclone Montha has disrupted major transportation networks:
- Railways: 43 trains cancelled through Visakhapatnam, and over 65 services affected across coastal Andhra routes.
- Airlines: 12 flights cancelled at Chennai Airport, while Visakhapatnam Airport suspended all operations.
- Ports: Kakinada and Visakhapatnam ports have ceased cargo handling operations until further notice.
Passengers are advised to check real-time updates before traveling.
Ground Reports: Cyclone Montha Nears Landfall
As Cyclone Montha nears landfall, Machilipatnam and Konaseema districts report heavy rains, stormy winds, and rising tides. Videos from Girupuram show fishermen securing boats, while visuals from Visakhapatnam’s coast depict turbulent seas.
In Chennai, schools remain closed amid orange alerts, while Karnataka’s Udupi and Dakshina Kannada are witnessing scattered rainfall due to the storm’s peripheral effects.
Cyclone Montha Aftermath: What Lies Ahead
After landfall, Cyclone Montha is expected to weaken into a deep depression by October 29 and dissipate by October 31. However, residual heavy rains could cause flash floods and river overflows in interior districts.
IMD continues 24×7 monitoring, with updated bulletins on the storm’s trajectory and intensity. Experts note that Cyclone Montha is the third severe cyclone to strike Andhra Pradesh since 2022, following Asani and Michaung, underscoring the Bay of Bengal’s recurring vulnerability.
Conclusion
The approach of Cyclone Montha marks another major test of India’s disaster preparedness and resilience. As authorities coordinate response efforts, citizens in coastal districts are urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and avoid rumour-based panic.
The coming days will reveal the true impact of Cyclone Montha, but proactive evacuations, communication networks, and disaster readiness are expected to save countless lives.