The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Montha is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam during the evening or night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone, which began as a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, intensified into a cyclonic storm on October 26 and is expected to strengthen further by October 28.
Cyclone Montha: Expected Landfall and Path
Cyclone Montha is forecast to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 200 km from Odisha’s Malkangir.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, said that 15 districts in Odisha could be impacted, with eight districts expected to face very heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Also Read: Cyclone Montha: Andhra And Odisha On Red Alert, Indian Army Gears Up For Landfall
Rainfall Alerts Issued
The IMD has issued rainfall alerts across several states:
Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe: October 27-28
Coastal Karnataka: October 26-28
Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: October 26-30
Telangana & Odisha: October 27-30
Chhattisgarh: October 27-30
Odisha
Minister Suresh Pujari stated that a ‘red warning’ has been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi districts, predicting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds gusting up to 80 kmph.
West Bengal
Heavy rainfall is expected in some districts from October 28–31. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast during October 28–30 and urged those already at sea to return by October 27.
Light to moderate rain is forecast in south Bengal districts including Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and Hooghly from October 27.
In north Bengal, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur, and Malda may experience heavy rainfall between October 30–31.
🌪️ CYCLONE MONTHA UPDATE
Cyclone Montha is currently around 560 km away from the Machilipatnam & Kakinada coasts and is moving northwards. The system is likely to make landfall by tomorrow evening (28 Oct) along the Andhra coast.
Cyclone Outer band effects will begin from… pic.twitter.com/wKnxsJNdJY
— Hyderabad Rains (@Hyderabadrains) October 27, 2025
Odisha Government Takes Precautionary Measures Ahead of Cyclone Montha
All 30 districts in Odisha have been put on alert. The IMD issued a red alert for five districts – Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam – and orange and yellow alerts for several others.
As a precaution, over 5,000 highly skilled personnel have been deployed in 24 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), alongside five NDRF teams and 99 Fire Service teams in the eight most vulnerable districts.
Suresh Pujari added that districts have been instructed to prepare men and machinery for rescue operations, in case the cyclone changes its course.
Evacuations Underway
Gajapati District Collector Madhumita said, “We have identified 139 places vulnerable to landslides.”
She noted that ‘sadhus’ living in hills are being moved to plains, and the evacuation of people, including pregnant women and elderly residents, will be completed by Monday evening.
Authorities in coastal districts are also urging fishermen to return from the sea, using loudspeakers and megaphones to ensure compliance.
Schools Closed
Schools and Anganwadi centers will remain closed until October 30.
Leaves of government employees in nine districts have been cancelled.
Tourist access to beaches in Puri will be restricted on October 27–29.
Andhra Pradesh Prepares For Cyclone Montha
The Andhra Pradesh government has drafted an action plan for pre-cyclone preparedness and relief distribution.
State Civil Supplies Minister N Manohar said the plan includes:
Stocking Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities
Fuel inventory management
Paddy procurement measures
Food supply to relief shelters
Post-cyclone relief distribution
He added, “The supply of food grains to all fair price shops in coastal areas will be completed by October 26, and sufficient stock has already been placed at Mandal Level Stock Points.”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
