Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert: Red Warning for Andhra Coast as Storm Nears Landfall

Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert: Red Warning for Andhra Coast as Storm Nears Landfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Montha continues to intensify over the Bay of Bengal. The system, which formed earlier this week, is moving northwestward and is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam in the next 24 hours.

This tropical storm, named Montha, has already strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm with sustained wind speeds of 90–110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h. As per the latest IMD forecast, the cyclone will bring extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions along the Andhra coast, prompting authorities to shut down beaches and suspend fishing operations.

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Background: How Cyclone Montha Formed

Cyclone Montha originated from a low-pressure area that developed over the east-central Bay of Bengal a few days ago. Due to warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions, it rapidly intensified into a deep depression and later into a cyclonic storm.

Meteorologists note that the Bay of Bengal is a hotspot for tropical cyclones, particularly during the post-monsoon period from October to December. This season’s first major system, Montha, is showing similarities to previous powerful cyclones like Gulab and Hudhud, both of which caused significant damage to Andhra Pradesh in past years. (Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert)

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Current Situation: IMD Red Alert and Emergency Preparedness

According to the IMD bulletin issued today, a red alert has been declared for the Krishna, Guntur, and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. The storm is projected to cross the coastline with destructive winds and torrential rain, potentially causing damage to weak structures, uprooting trees, and flooding low-lying areas.

⚠️ Key Warnings from IMD:

• Wind Speed: 90–110 km/h gusting to 120 km/h along coastal Andhra.
• Rainfall: Extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall expected between October 27–29.
• Sea Conditions: Very rough to high; fishermen advised not to venture into the sea.
• Storm Surge: Possible rise in sea level by 1–1.5 meters above normal tides near the landfall zone.

Authorities have begun evacuation efforts in vulnerable areas and have set up relief shelters for residents in low-lying regions. Schools in coastal districts have been closed, and disaster response teams (NDRF, SDRF) are on standby.

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Impact on Coastal and Inland Regions

While the cyclone is expected to hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh, its impact will extend inland and northward. Cities such as Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Visakhapatnam are likely to experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

🌧️ Expected Impacts:

• Urban flooding in coastal towns due to continuous rainfall.
• Disruption of power supply and mobile networks.
• Transportation delays in air, rail, and road services.
• Crop damage, especially in paddy fields and horticultural crops nearing harvest.

In neighboring states like Odisha and West Bengal, the IMD forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall between October 28–30 as Montha weakens while moving inland. (Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert)

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Government Response and Safety Measures

The Andhra Pradesh government has activated emergency control rooms and instructed all district collectors to monitor the situation round-the-clock. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed more than 20 rescue teams, equipped with boats, medical kits, and communication gear.

Local fishermen have been warned to stay ashore, and ports such as Kakinada and Visakhapatnam have been placed on high alert. Coastal tourism has been suspended, and Manginapudi Beach and Hamsaladeevi Beach remain closed to the public.

🧭 What Citizens Should Do:

• Avoid visiting coastal or low-lying areas.
• Keep emergency kits (torch, batteries, medicines) ready.
• Charge electronic devices and stay connected with local updates.
• Follow official IMD and state disaster management advisories only. (Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert)

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Expert Analysis: Why Cyclone Montha Matters

Experts suggest that Cyclone Montha is a reminder of the increasing intensity of storms over the Bay of Bengal due to rising sea temperatures and climate change.
According to Dr. M. Rajendra, a senior meteorologist from IMD Hyderabad:

“The sea surface temperature near the cyclone’s origin was above 29°C, which provided the perfect conditions for rapid intensification. The trend of stronger cyclones in October and November is consistent with global warming effects.”

Environmental analysts warn that urban planning and coastal defenses in many Indian coastal cities remain inadequate to handle such frequent severe weather events. Investments in early warning systems, mangrove restoration, and climate-resilient infrastructure are crucial to reducing long-term risks. (Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert)

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Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead

Once Cyclone Montha makes landfall, it is expected to weaken into a deep depression as it moves inland. However, it will continue to bring heavy to moderate rainfall over parts of Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and even West Bengal.

The IMD advises that post-landfall rains may cause flash floods and landslides in hilly or river-adjacent areas. Meanwhile, the Bay of Bengal could witness another low-pressure system forming in early November, hinting at an active cyclone season ahead. (Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert)

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Conclusion

Cyclone Montha stands as another reminder of the Bay of Bengal’s volatile post-monsoon season. With the IMD’s red alert in place and state agencies on high readiness, the next 48 hours are crucial for Andhra Pradesh. Citizens are advised to stay indoors, avoid rumors, and rely only on official updates from IMD and NDMA.

Preparedness, not panic, remains the best protection against nature’s fury. (Cyclone Montha Latest News IMD Alert)