Kolkata, October 27 (Udaipur Kiran): A new cyclonic storm ‘Mantha’ has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is rapidly gaining strength, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday evening, posing a potential threat to parts of South Bengal and adjoining coastal areas.
Meteorologists said that a low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea developed into a deep depression by Sunday morning (8:30 am) and has since been moving northwestward at a speed of around 6 kmph. By Monday afternoon, it was expected to transform into Cyclone Mantha, with further intensification likely over the next 24 hours.
Although the cyclone’s core will remain about 800 km away from West Bengal, the state will still experience its outer effects in the form of widespread rainfall and strong winds.
IMD Rainfall and Wind Warning
The Alipore Meteorological Office in Kolkata issued an alert on Monday morning, predicting light to moderate rainfall from Tuesday to Thursday across South Bengal, with heavy rain in isolated areas.
Since Sunday afternoon, overcast conditions and light drizzles have been reported in several parts of the region.
District-wise Forecast
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Monday: Light to moderate rain with thunder likely in North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly; wind speed may reach 30–50 kmph.
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Tuesday: Heavy rain expected in South 24 Parganas and East Medinipur, while light to moderate rain is likely in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, West Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, and Jhargram.
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Wednesday: Heavy rainfall alert for Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Jhargram.
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Thursday: Heavy rain may shift northward to Birbhum, West Burdwan, and Murshidabad.
Rain Predicted in North Bengal
From Wednesday onward, parts of North Bengal — including Malda, North and South Dinajpur, and Jalpaiguri — are expected to receive light to moderate rain, which may continue till Friday, extending to most districts in the region.
Fishermen and Coastal Advisory
The IMD has issued a strict warning to fishermen against venturing into the sea for the next three days, citing rough sea conditions and strong winds.
Coastal administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert, with disaster management and rescue teams kept on standby.
Officials have also urged residents of low-lying and coastal areas to stay alert as the cyclone progresses toward the Andhra–Odisha–Bengal coastline.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.