Hyderabad/Bhubaneswar/Chennai, October 28 (Udaipur Kiran): The severe cyclonic storm Montha, formed over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified and is moving rapidly toward the Kakinada coast of Andhra Pradesh. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to make landfall near Kakinada late tonight, bringing wind speeds between 90 and 110 kmph. A red alert has been issued for coastal districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions.
The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has placed Kakinada port on red alert, while other major ports — Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Machilipatnam — remain under warning.
States on High Alert; Evacuations and Cancellations Begin
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are on high alert. SDRF and NDRF teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas, and thousands of coastal residents are being shifted to safer shelters. The Railways has cancelled over 100 trains, and several flights have been suspended. Schools and colleges are being converted into relief camps. Waves as high as 2 to 4.7 metres have been reported, and fishermen have been strictly barred from venturing into the sea.
Storm Strengthens; Landfall Process Underway
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Department, said the landfall process has begun and the cyclone will soon become a “severe cyclonic storm.” He urged residents to stay indoors and follow official advisories.
Duty Officer Jagannath Kumar of the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre said the deep depression that formed yesterday over the southeast Bay of Bengal has now intensified into Cyclone Montha. It is currently centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal, about 240 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 160 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 320 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 530 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha). The cyclone is expected to move north-northwest and cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, late tonight as a severe cyclonic storm.
Worsening Conditions in Andhra Pradesh
In Chittoor, Kakinada, NTR, and nearby districts, weather conditions have started to deteriorate. Flooding has been reported in the Kushasthali river, disrupting road connectivity. Sea waves have started eroding parts of the Uppada coast, and several villages are being evacuated. The electricity department is on alert amid fears of tree falls and power line damage.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the situation. SDRF and NDRF teams are active, and about 24 drones are being used for real-time surveillance. Relief camps have been equipped with food, water, and ₹3,000 cash assistance per affected family. Cattle are also being moved to safe areas, and medical teams are on standby.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast Across Southern and Eastern India
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is expected in Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Coastal Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Schools and colleges in Andhra Pradesh will remain closed from October 27 to 31, and in Odisha on October 28 and 29.
In West Bengal, heavy rain is expected from Tuesday to Friday across multiple districts due to Montha’s impact. The IMD has warned of landslides in hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and flooding in low-lying plains. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in southern Bengal, while districts including North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad may receive heavy showers.
Red Alert in Odisha; Railways on Emergency Patrol
In Odisha, 128 disaster response teams have been deployed in southern districts. Red alerts have been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi, where extremely heavy rain and strong winds are expected.
The South Central Railway has cancelled 72 trains scheduled for October 28 and 29, while the East Coast Railway has already suspended 43 services. Patrolling teams are monitoring tracks and bridges, and help desks and refund counters have been set up at major stations. Passengers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilises.
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.
