By Cyclone Montha is a tropical storm forming over the Bay of Bengal, and it has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. The Economic Times+2www.ndtv.com+2 The naming of the storm is interesting: “Montha” means a fragrant flower, and was contributed by Thailand among country names in the region’s tropical-storm naming list. Jagranjosh.com The system developed from a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and gradually strengthened through late October. OdishaTv+1 Meteorologists note that the movement is north–northwestwards and that the storm is expected to cross the coast of Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam—near Kakinada—on the evening or night of October 28. The Times of India+1 With sustained winds estimated at 90-100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, and heavy rainfall likely, the authorities are treating this as a significant weather event. The Times of India+1
Areas Under Threat: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on High Alert
The coastal districts of Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, East Godavari, Eluru and others in Andhra Pradesh have been placed on red and orange alerts, signalling the highest level of readiness. The Economic Times+1 Ahead of landfall, the state has cancelled schools, shifted expectant mothers and evacuated thousands from low-lying and vulnerable zones. The Economic Times+1 Meanwhile, in Odisha, eight districts have been identified as “red zone” for heavy rain and strong winds including Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam and Gajapati. The Times of India+1 The Odisha government has mobilised disaster teams, cancelled leaves for employees, and prepared shelters in coordination with local officials. The Economic Times
Preparations and Preventive Measures
In Andhra Pradesh, the government has activated its disaster-response machinery: the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby in multiple districts, and relief camps have been prepared. www.ndtv.com+1 School closures have been implemented through to October 31 in many districts, and fishing operations have been suspended along the coast. The Economic Times+1 In Odisha the evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas started early, and 128 disaster-response teams were deployed across the coastal districts. The Times of India The national leadership has also taken note: Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, spoke with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to assure central support and coordinate relief efforts. The Hans India+1
Anticipated Impacts: Rain, Wind, Sea-Surge Risks
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated areas in coastal Andhra Pradesh could receive extremely heavy rainfall (greater than 20 cm) between October 27-29. Moneycontrol Strong winds at 90-100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h, are expected at landfall, and a storm-surge of up to 1 metre above astronomical tide may inundate low-lying coastal zones around Kakinada and Yanam. India Today+1 Sea conditions are becoming dangerous with wave heights approaching 1.8-3.8 metres in certain coastal stretches. News On Air Regions in Tamil Nadu and even Telangana may see heavy rainfall due to the outer bands of the system. The Economic Times+1 The combined effect of rainfall, wind and surge poses a real risk to life, property and infrastructure, especially in vulnerable coastal and riverine zones.
Disruptions: Transport, Livelihoods and Daily Life
The advance preparations are already disrupting travel and normal life. Train services in the east-coast region have been cancelled—for example, 43 trains over three days through the Visakhapatnam region have been scrapped as a safety precaution. Samayam Telugu Flight operations are affected at airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and other hubs; airlines have issued advisories for passengers to check status before travelling. India Today+1 Coastal fishing communities have been warned strictly against venturing into the sea, and many fishermen are anchoring their vessels as the storm nears. The Indian Express Schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur and other Tamil districts have been declared holidays as heavy rains approach. The Times of India The cumulative effect is that the region is braced for significant disruption of transport, supply chains, livelihoods and routine activities.
Outlook and Immediate Next Steps
The landfall is expected tonight (October 28) near the Andhra coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada. www.ndtv.com+1 After landfall, the system is likely to move toward Odisha, gradually weakening but still delivering heavy rain and gusty winds. According to the IMD, the peak impact period is between October 28-29 for Andhra and Odisha. The Times of India+1 Authorities emphasise that the most critical window is the next 24-48 hours: moving people out of vulnerable zones, securing infrastructure, ensuring power/communication resilience and standing by for rapid relief. The call for “zero casualties” is loud in both states. The Economic Times
Key Messages to the Public
Residents of coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha are being advised to strictly heed official advisories: avoid going to beaches or venturing into the sea, do not ignore evacuation orders, secure homes in low-lying areas, and keep essential supplies ready. Fishing and maritime activity must cease until the all-clear is given. Travelers in affected regions should check train/flight status in advance, and schools have been told to stay closed for safety. The IMD reminds people that while the timing of landfall is predicted, the severity of rainfall, wind-gusts and secondary hazards (flooding, landslides, infrastructure failure) mean that caution must remain high. Preparation, not panic, is the order of the day.
Summary
In summary, Cyclone Montha has grown into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal and is headed towards the Andhra coast, with landfall expected near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening or night of October 28. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are in high gear with evacuations, shelters, school closures and transport disruptions. The storm carries strong wind speeds, heavy rainfall, storm-surge potential and is already causing precautionary cancellations and alerts. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the focus will be on how well preparedness translates into minimal loss of life and property. For the public, clear cooperation with disaster authorities and caution in weather-affected zones will be vital.
