Bhubaneswar, October 27 (Monday): The Odisha government has launched large-scale evacuation efforts and deployed 128 disaster response teams across eight coastal districts as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm — Cyclone Montha — by Monday morning.
Cyclone Montha trajectory and forecast
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards, and as of this morning, it was located about 600 km east-southeast of Chennai, 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 710 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 850 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha.
The system is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh by the evening or night of October 28. Wind speeds are likely to reach 90–100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph, according to the IMD.
Red alert for Andhra Pradesh coastal districts
A red alert has been issued for several Andhra Pradesh coastal districts — Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore — with authorities warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds starting late Monday.
Ground situation and preparedness
In Odisha, precautionary evacuations have been carried out from vulnerable coastal areas prone to flooding and storm surges. The state’s Special Relief Commissioner confirmed that National and State Disaster Response Force teams have been stationed in high-risk zones, with rescue boats, food supplies, and medical aid ready for immediate deployment.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, boats remain anchored at the Cuddalore dock as sea conditions worsen, while Chennai and Tiruvallur are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall tonight.
Intensification and impact zones
The IMD has warned that Cyclone Montha has intensified faster than expected, with its trajectory suggesting widespread heavy rainfall across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh in the next 48 hours. Coastal areas are expected to face storm surges, with fishermen advised not to venture into the sea.
Officials are closely monitoring the storm’s progression, with the next IMD update expected by Monday evening.
Stay tuned for live updates on Cyclone Montha’s path, intensity, and regional impact as the situation unfolds.
