Overview of Cyclone Montha
Cyclone Montha is a tropical storm forming over the Bay of Bengal, projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm as it nears the Andhra Pradesh coastline. Authorities are closely monitoring its trajectory due to potential heavy rainfall and strong winds in the region.
Expected Landfall Details
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha is likely to make landfall near Kakinada along the Andhra Pradesh coast on the evening or night of October 28. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, bringing intense rainfall and gusty winds.
Impact Forecast
The severe cyclone is predicted to cause heavy to very heavy rain across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. Residents and local authorities are advised to prepare for potential flooding and disruption due to the approaching storm.
Depression Over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea
A separate depression over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea is moving north-northwestwards. As of October 25, it was located approximately 380 km west-northwest of Panjim (Goa), 400 km southwest of Mumbai (Maharashtra), 620 km northwest of Mangalore (Karnataka), and 640 km north-northwest of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep).
Movement and Rainfall Predictions
This depression is expected to continue its northwestward path over the next 24 hours, potentially bringing heavy rainfall to Goa, Konkan, Gujarat, and Kerala. The IMD has emphasized the importance of vigilance in these areas.
Depression Over Southeast Bay of Bengal
The low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has concentrated into a depression, centered about 420 km west-southwest of Port Blair and 990–1040 km from major cities including Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kakinada, and Gopalpur.
Progression Timeline
- October 26: Likely to become a deep depression
- October 27 (morning): Expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm
- October 28 (morning): Predicted to become a severe cyclonic storm
The storm is expected to reach wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, with gusts up to 110 kmph, at the time of landfall near Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Authorities have advised residents in coastal regions to stay alert, secure property, and follow local evacuation guidelines if necessary. Fishermen are urged to avoid venturing into the sea during this period.
