Cyclone Montha Intensifies: Urgent Precautions Implemented in Andhra Pradesh

The Cyclonic Storm Montha, hovering over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on Tuesday evening or night.

The IMD reported, "Cyclonic Storm Montha, over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has been moving north-northwestwards at 15 kmph in the last six hours, and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. It was centered at 0530 IST today, the 28th October 2025, about 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 270 km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 340 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and 550 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha)."

With several coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha already experiencing heavy rains, Cyclone Montha is expected to continue on its track, achieving landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Odisha's Ganjam district reported rough seas and rain due to Montha's influence.

Inspector Bidyabharati Nayak from Odisha reported that fishing boats from Andhra Pradesh were unable to return and have since sought shelter at Gopalpur Port. About 30 boats remained sheltered due to marine restrictions as Cyclone Montha nears.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has mobilized district and police officials to expedite the evacuation of vulnerable populations to rehabilitation centers, emphasizing the importance of quality provisions and water safety in these facilities. Special officers were appointed for their oversight as cyclone preparations intensified. (ANI)