Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kakinada on October 28, bringing wind speeds of up to 110 kmph, torrential rains, and rough seas to the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Red alerts remain in place as emergency teams carry out mass evacuations, close schools, and prepare relief camps, aiming for zero casualties.
The IMD warns the severe cyclonic storm will intensify further, with effects expected across multiple southern and eastern states. Fishermen and coastal residents have been strictly advised to stay indoors and avoid the sea.
Cyclone Montha Prompts Mass Evacuations and Precautions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially classified Montha as a severe cyclonic storm and issued red alerts for several districts. Andhra Pradesh authorities have evacuated thousands from vulnerable coastal and low-lying regions, setting up over 40,000 relief shelters.
According to IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, “Extremely heavy rainfall and destructive winds up to 110 kmph are likely,” which could uproot trees and disrupt utilities. Odisha, too, has mobilised disaster response teams and stockpiled essentials: Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari assured, “
Arrangements are complete in all potential impact zones; evacuation will be done before evening for utmost safety.” Schools are shut across affected districts, and leave of government officials has been cancelled to ensure full readiness.
@DBalasore chaired a preparatory meeting on Impending #Cyclone "Montha" with all line departments, BDOs, Tahasildars, EOs and senior officials. Leaves of all officers has been cancelled and Collector has instructed for all kind of readiness for emergency response. pic.twitter.com/72L6Ime89G
— Collector & DM Balasore (@DBalasore) October 25, 2025
Storm Trajectory, Affected States, and Meteorological Insights
Cyclone Montha originated as a deep depression in the southeast Bay of Bengal and has steadily intensified while moving northwest. As of Monday morning, Montha was located 620km south-southeast of Kakinada, heading towards landfall late Tuesday.
While Andhra Pradesh and Odisha bear the immediate brunt, IMD forecasts heavy precipitation and strong winds for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, and even northern regions like West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar later this week.
The cyclone’s rapid intensification has been exacerbated by high sea-surface temperatures, a herald of climate-related risks in the Bay of Bengal. Disaster management agencies across affected states have moved into high alert; fishermen have been strictly banned from venturing out, and the Indian Army and Navy stand ready for emergency rescue operations. Montha may weaken after landfall, but residual rain bands could cause flooding and landslides inland.
Administrations, Resilience, and Community Response
This large-scale mobilisation highlights improved disaster preparedness but also underscores the vulnerability of coastal communities. Local volunteers, government agencies, and emergency forces are working together to ensure “zero casualty” and protect lives and livestock.
Officials have urged all citizens to heed advisories and cooperate with rescue teams, particularly in areas with previous cyclone losses.
A deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm named #Montha. It is expected to strengthen further over the southwest and west-central Bay within the next 12 hours and may turn into a very severe #cyclone by Tuesday morning.… pic.twitter.com/GUXIdoVzmu
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 26, 2025
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Cyclone Montha’s approach is a call for peace, empathy, and coordinated action, reminding us of the fragility of life along India’s coasts.
Timely warnings, robust evacuation protocols, and community spirit are vital, but sustainable disaster management requires both technological investment and social preparedness.
News in Q&A
1. What is Cyclone Montha, and when and where is it expected to hit?
Cyclone Montha is a severe cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal, forecast to make landfall near Kakinada on October 28, 2025. It is expected to bring winds up to 110 kmph and heavy rain to coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with impacts across parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and adjoining states.
2. How are the authorities preparing for Cyclone Montha?
State governments have declared red alerts, evacuated thousands from vulnerable coastal areas, and opened thousands of relief camps. NDRF and SDRF teams are deployed and ready for rescue operations. Schools in affected districts are closed, essential supplies stockpiled, and public safety advisories issued to keep residents indoors while banning fishing activities in coastal waters.
3. What are the expected weather conditions and hazards?
IMD warns of extremely heavy rainfall leading to possible flooding, uprooted trees, and power outages due to strong winds. Rough seas and high waves are expected along the coast. Inland areas may experience heavy monsoon rains and localized flooding as the cyclone weakens post-landfall.
4. Which areas are most vulnerable, and what is the background context?
Coastal districts like Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and various coastal areas of Odisha are most at risk. Montha follows previous Bay of Bengal cyclones intensified by rising sea temperatures, highlighting ongoing climate vulnerability and the importance of disaster preparedness.
5. What economic impact could Cyclone Montha have on the affected regions?
Cyclone Montha poses a serious threat to the paddy crop across eleven coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh, where nearly 20 lakh acres of paddy are at the harvesting stage. If the cyclone hits with full intensity, it could cause extensive damage to standing crops, disrupting farmers’ livelihoods and local economies. This potential agricultural loss compounds the larger economic challenges that accompany severe weather events.
Cyclone #Montha effect near Antharvedi beach of Konaseema district in Coastl Andhra.
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) October 27, 2025
🎥Sampath Draksharama pic.twitter.com/Eg9yAKotck
