A new cyclonic system has formed over the central Bay of Bengal, officially named Cyclone Montha, and is rapidly intensifying. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is expected to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours and move northwestward toward the Andhra Pradesh coast.
As per IMD projections, Cyclone Montha is likely to make landfall near Kakinada on the evening of October 28. During landfall, the storm is expected to bring wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, along with very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh in Full Preparedness Mode
Anticipating the cyclone’s impact, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has drawn up a comprehensive action and relief plan to minimize damage and ensure rapid response in affected districts.
Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar announced that all Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets in coastal areas have been restocked with essential food grains, while Mandal-Level Stock Points (MLSPs) have been supplied in advance to ensure uninterrupted availability during and after the storm.
Oil Marketing Companies have been directed to fully stock petrol, diesel, and LPG outlets across vulnerable coastal districts. Diesel reserves have been prioritized for telecom towers, hospitals, and cyclone shelters to ensure power backup in case of outages.
For farmers, the government has activated early paddy procurement centres in low-lying and coastal regions. More than 1,500 rice mills have been linked to Rythu Service Kendras (RSKs) to assist with crop drying and provide tarpaulins for harvested paddy protection.
Additionally, 50,000 tarpaulins, sandbags, and plastic sheets have been pre-positioned for use in crop and property protection. District Collectors have been authorized to draw upon emergency food and fuel stocks under Treasury Rule 27 to support relief kitchens and cyclone shelters during emergencies.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued alerts to all coastal districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and dangerous sea conditions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and residents in low-lying areas have been asked to remain vigilant.
Severe Weather Ahead for Neighbouring States
As Cyclone Montha moves inland, its rain bands will extend into Telangana, south Chhattisgarh, and south Odisha, with the hilly terrains around Koraput expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall. The IMD has warned of potential landslides, waterlogging, and localized flooding in these regions.
After crossing the Andhra coast, the system will gradually weaken into a depression while moving through Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, but it will continue to pull moisture from the Bay of Bengal, ensuring widespread rainfall across East India. The post-landfall rains are expected to be beneficial for crops but may cause short-term disruptions in transport and electricity.
Rains to Reach West Bengal from Tuesday
In West Bengal, the first effects of Cyclone Montha will be felt from Tuesday, October 28, as the system’s remnants move northeastward. The IMD forecasts on-and-off rainfall across the state, with heavier spells likely in western districts such as Bankura, Purulia, and Paschim Medinipur on October 29 and 30.
By October 31, North Bengal districts — including Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar — are likely to experience heavy rainfall as the system’s moisture converges with a secondary low-pressure zone.
Authorities on Standby Across the Eastern Coast
Disaster response forces, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been kept on standby. Cyclone shelters are being readied, and evacuation plans have been drawn up for vulnerable coastal belts around East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Krishna districts.
The IMD has also advised ports to hoist storm warning signals and urged residents to secure loose structures and avoid coastal travel.
Cyclone Montha, the latest post-monsoon storm in the Bay of Bengal, underscores the increased frequency of tropical cyclones forming during late October. With meticulous planning and early coordination, Andhra Pradesh aims to mitigate the cyclone’s impact as it braces for landfall on Monday evening.