Cyclone Montha Forms Today: Heavy Rain Alert for Andhra

Cyclone Montha has formed today over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is set to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the eastern coastal states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, until Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings that this cyclonic storm will significantly impact these regions in the coming days.

Cyclone Montha originated as a deep depression and is intensifying steadily. It is expected to become a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, with wind speeds of 90-100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h. The cyclone is projected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, specifically between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada, on the evening or night of October 28. Strong winds, heavy to very heavy rainfall, and localized flooding are anticipated, particularly in districts such as East Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and surrounding areas including parts of Odisha and Yanam in Puducherry.

The impact of Cyclone Montha goes beyond just heavy rain. The IMD has issued red alerts for several districts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, urging residents and authorities to stay on high alert and take precautions. In Andhra Pradesh, schools have been closed in affected districts from October 27 to 31 as a safety measure. The state disaster response forces, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, have been deployed across vulnerable zones to assist with evacuations and emergency situations.

Heavy downpours are expected not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in coastal Tamil Nadu and Odisha, with some areas predicted to receive extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 21 centimeters, raising the risk of flash floods and waterlogging. Coastal Karnataka and Kerala may also experience rainfall due to cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal. Strong winds and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are forecasted in the southern peninsula and eastern states for the next several days.

From a broader perspective, cyclones like Montha show how the Bay of Bengal remains a hotspot for tropical storms during this season. These cyclones form when warm ocean waters and atmospheric conditions encourage the development of low-pressure systems that intensify into powerful storms. While such natural events are common in this region, their severity and impact can vary each year.

Authorities advise fishermen not to venture into the sea for at least the next five days due to rough sea conditions and high waves, which can pose significant risks. People living in low-lying and coastal areas are urged to be cautious and follow guidance from local officials to minimize harm.

In summary, Cyclone Montha is a significant weather event for the eastern coast of India, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that could affect daily life and safety. Preparedness measures are in place, but residents should remain vigilant and heed official warnings until the storm passes over the region by Tuesday evening.

This event reminds us of the ongoing challenges coastal communities face during cyclone season and the importance of timely weather alerts and disaster preparedness to protect lives and property.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies