Kakinada, October 27:
A severe cyclonic storm named Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the eastern coast of India today, prompting high alert across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding in coastal districts as the storm continues to intensify over the Bay of Bengal.
IMD Confirms Cyclone Landfall Near Kakinada
According to the latest IMD bulletin issued early Monday morning, Cyclone Montha is currently located around 120 km southeast of Kakinada, moving northwestward at a speed of 15 km/h.
The system is expected to make landfall between Kakinada and Yanam by late evening or early night, with wind speeds likely reaching 100–110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h at the time of landfall.
The IMD statement said:
“Cyclone Montha is in the final stages of intensification. It is expected to cross the coast as a severe cyclonic storm, bringing very heavy rainfall and gale-force winds to coastal Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu, and southern Odisha.”
Red Alert for Coastal Andhra and North Tamil Nadu
Authorities have issued a red alert for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, including East Godavari, West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Krishna, while a yellow alert has been sounded in parts of Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea, as the Bay of Bengal remains extremely rough under the influence of the cyclone.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reviewed the situation through a high-level emergency meeting and instructed district collectors to be on “maximum readiness.”
He said,
“The safety of citizens is our top priority. All coastal evacuation measures must be completed before the landfall. Relief teams, medical staff, and essential supplies should be ready for immediate deployment.”
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Deployed
The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) has deployed over 25 teams across vulnerable coastal regions in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
According to an official statement, rescue boats, emergency shelters, and satellite communication units have been positioned to ensure real-time response during the storm.
NDRF Director General Atul Karwal said,
“Our teams are fully prepared with boats, rescue equipment, and medical kits. The focus is on minimizing loss of life and property. We urge the public to follow government advisories and avoid traveling near coastal areas.”
Heavy Rains Lash Coastal Areas
Since Sunday night, heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds has been reported in Amalapuram, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and parts of Vizag.
Local authorities have disconnected power in certain low-lying areas to prevent electrical hazards.
Several villages in East Godavari district have already experienced power cuts and waterlogging, with wind speeds crossing 90 km/h in some areas by early morning.
Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati districts are also witnessing moderate rainfall and gusty winds as outer bands of the cyclone approach the coast.
Fishermen and Coastal Villages Evacuated
As a precautionary measure, over 18,000 people from low-lying coastal villages in East Godavari and Krishna districts have been moved to relief shelters.
State disaster management officials confirmed that food, water, and emergency supplies have been stocked in these centers for at least three days.
A fisherman from Kakinada, speaking to a local channel, said,
“The sea has turned violent since last night. The waves are huge, and we’ve tied our boats ashore. We’ve seen cyclones before, but this one feels stronger.”
Air and Rail Services Disrupted
Several domestic flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry have been canceled due to poor visibility and high wind conditions.
The South Central Railway has also announced the suspension of 15 coastal train routes, including services between Vijayawada, Kakinada, and Bhubaneswar, as a safety measure.
Passengers have been requested to check train and flight schedules before traveling.
Power and Communication Networks at Risk
Power utilities in Andhra Pradesh have issued statements urging residents to charge essential devices and store drinking water, anticipating possible power outages.
Telecommunication companies have set up backup generators and mobile towers to ensure continuous connectivity during the storm.
Officials from the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said,
“We expect temporary disruptions in electricity and communication networks in coastal areas. Restoration teams will be on standby for immediate repair once the cyclone passes.”
Impact on Odisha and Tamil Nadu
While the primary impact zone remains Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha and northern Tamil Nadu are also expected to experience heavy rainfall and stormy winds.
The IMD warned that districts like Malkangiri, Ganjam, and Puri (Odisha) and Cuddalore and Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) could see rainfall of up to 200 mm within 24 hours.
Tamil Nadu’s disaster management authority has urged citizens to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and report emergencies to the state helpline 1070.
Cyclone Montha Expected to Weaken Post-Landfall
Meteorologists predict that Cyclone Montha will gradually weaken into a deep depression within 12–15 hours after landfall.
IMD Director-General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated,
“Once the cyclone crosses the coast near Kakinada, it will start losing strength as it moves inland toward Chhattisgarh and Telangana. However, heavy rainfall and localized flooding will continue for at least 24 hours.”
He added that farmers in coastal and inland districts have been advised to postpone harvesting activities and safeguard stored grains from water damage.
Comparisons with Past Cyclones
Experts have drawn parallels between Cyclone Montha and previous systems like Cyclone Hudhud (2014) and Cyclone Gulab (2021), both of which caused significant damage to Andhra’s coastal belt.
However, improved early warning systems and better preparedness this time are expected to minimize losses.
An environmental analyst said,
“India’s cyclone monitoring has improved drastically. With advanced forecasting and timely evacuations, we can save lives even during severe storms like Montha.”
Social Media Flooded with Updates
As Cyclone Montha inches closer, social media platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook are buzzing with updates, videos, and live visuals from the coastline.
Hashtags like #CycloneMontha, #KakinadaAlert, and #AndhraCyclone have been trending since morning.
Citizens are also using community networks to share helpline numbers, live weather updates, and shelter locations for stranded individuals.
Government Helplines and Relief Measures
The Andhra Pradesh government has activated multiple control rooms and 24-hour helplines for public assistance:
- Andhra Pradesh Helpline: 1800-425-111
- Odisha Helpline: 1070 / 112
- Tamil Nadu Helpline: 1077
All district collectors have been instructed to coordinate with police, fire, and health departments for swift relief operations.
Economic Impact Expected
The cyclone is also expected to affect harbor operations, agriculture, and coastal businesses.
Fisheries and prawn farms in the East Godavari region are bracing for major losses as tidal waves threaten to flood hatcheries and salt pans.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority has suspended all vessel movements until further notice.
Economists estimate potential damages of ₹500–700 crore in agriculture and fisheries alone if the cyclone maintains current intensity.
Global Attention on India’s Cyclone Preparedness
International weather agencies, including the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), have acknowledged India’s rapid response system, noting that the early evacuation of thousands of residents has significantly reduced the risk of casualties.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) also praised the IMD’s accuracy in tracking Cyclone Montha’s path.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
As Cyclone Montha makes landfall near Kakinada, authorities urge citizens to remain indoors and follow official advisories. The next 12 to 18 hours are expected to be crucial for Andhra’s coastal belt and neighboring states.
While preparedness has minimized panic, nature’s fury remains unpredictable. Continuous coordination between government agencies, IMD, and NDRF will determine how effectively India weathers yet another test of resilience.
