Cyclone Montha Set to Strike Andhra Pradesh on 28 October

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that Cyclone Montha is likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam during the evening or night of 28 October, classed as a “severe cyclonic storm.” The deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm on 26 October and is expected to strengthen further by 28 October.

Expected Landfall and Path

Cyclone Montha is projected to strike near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 200 kilometers from Malkangiri in Odisha. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory to minimize potential damage.

Anticipated Impact and Damage

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, warned that the cyclone could affect 15 districts, with eight districts expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Rainfall Alerts Issued by IMD

The IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across several states during specific periods:

• Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe: 27–28 October
• Coastal Karnataka: 26–28 October
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: 26–30 October
• Telangana & Odisha: 27–30 October
• Chhattisgarh: 27–30 October

In Odisha, a red warning has been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi districts due to extremely heavy rainfall and winds reaching 80 km/h.

West Bengal is also expected to experience rainfall between 28–31 October. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from 28–30 October and urged those already at sea to return by 27 October. Light to moderate rain is expected in southern districts including Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and Hooghly, while northern districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur, and Malda may witness heavy rain between 30–31 October.

Odisha Government’s Preparedness Measures

The Odisha government has placed all 30 districts on high alert. A red alert covers five districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam—while other districts are under orange and yellow alerts.

Deployment of Emergency Personnel

Over 5,000 trained personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and 99 Fire Service teams have been deployed across the high-risk districts. District administrations have been instructed to have machinery and rescue teams ready in case the Cyclone Montha alters its path.

Evacuation and Safety Measures

Authorities are evacuating residents from landslide-prone hilly areas. In Gajapati district alone, 139 landslide-prone locations have been identified. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and the elderly, are being relocated to safe shelters. Coastal fishermen have been warned to avoid venturing into the sea.

Closure of Schools and Restrictions

Leaves for government employees in nine districts have been canceled, and schools and Anganwadi centers will remain closed until 30 October. Tourist access to sea beaches in Puri has also been restricted from 27–29 October.

Andhra Pradesh’s Action Plan

The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared a comprehensive pre-cyclone action plan to ensure relief and essential supplies. State Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar stated that the plan includes:

• Stocking Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities
• Managing fuel inventories
• Procuring paddy and ensuring food supply to relief shelters
• Organizing post-cyclone relief distribution

Authorities have been instructed to fully stock petrol, diesel, and LPG outlets, while district collectors are coordinating with Oil Marketing Companies to maintain diesel supply for telecom towers, hospitals, cyclone shelters, and emergency control rooms during potential power disruptions.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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