Cyclone Montha

The recent drowning of a Bengali actor near Talasari has put the spotlight on safety measures & accountability on Odisha’s beaches. TOI examines the ground reality

Gajapati district has reopened its tourist spots, including Mahendragiri and BN Palace, after a week-long closure due to cyclone montha. While tourist locations sustained no major damage, access to waterfalls remains restricted due to heavy inflows from recent rainfall. The district had previously experienced landslides and fatalities from heavy rains.

The Indian Army is on high alert due to two developing cyclones in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, predicted to become Cyclone 'Montha' within 48 hours. Authorities are coordinating with disaster management bodies and state governments, with an Orange alert issued for Tamil Nadu's northern coast. Preparedness for relief and rescue operations is underway across coastal regions.

Residents in Visakhapatnam and surrounding districts are stocking essentials in anticipation of cyclone montha, recalling the devastating impact of Cyclone Hudhud in 2014. Hudhud caused extensive damage, leading to a week-long power and communication outage. Fishermen are praying for minimal disruption to their livelihoods as Montha approaches.

cyclone montha is set to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, 2025, bringing extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds. The severe cyclonic storm, originating in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to cause localized flooding and disrupt transport. Authorities have issued warnings and initiated evacuation procedures in vulnerable areas.

cyclone montha is set to make landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, as a severe cyclonic storm with winds up to 110 kmph. Coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana are bracing for impact. Over 35 flights have been cancelled, and 10 trains are affected as authorities remain on high alert.

Over 330 pregnant women in Ganjam and Gajapati districts were moved to hospitals and transit homes ahead of cyclone montha's potential landfall. As of Monday evening, 88 women had delivered safely. Health officials prioritized these expectant mothers, ensuring their well-being and smooth deliveries during the impending heavy rains.

cyclone montha made landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, causing widespread destruction with 100 kmph winds. Lakes overflowed, homes collapsed, and power lines were downed, while a portion of the Hyderabad-Srisailam highway in Telangana was washed away. The cyclone weakened into a deep depression by Wednesday, leaving a trail of disrupted road and rail links across both states.

Jharkhand witnessed rainfall across several districts for a second day. cyclone montha's influence brought showers to Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and other areas. The storm is expected to weaken into a low-pressure system. Northern Jharkhand may see continued impact. Isolated rain is possible on November 1. Temperatures are set to drop, bringing early morning fog on November 2.

As per IMD, cyclone montha is poised to strike Andhra Pradesh's coast by Tuesday evening, bringing severe cyclonic storm conditions with winds up to 110 km/h and heavy rainfall. Authorities are evacuating thousands from low-lying areas, with Odisha also on high alert. Residents and tourists are urged to follow official advisories and prioritize safety.

Heavy rains triggered by cyclone montha caused significant disruptions across Gajapati district. Landslides blocked key roads, necessitating efforts by NDRF and fire services to clear debris. Over 10,000 residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas, and rescue operations were conducted for stranded individuals. Damage to homes was also reported.

Senior bureaucrat R.P. Sisodia is lauded as a "chase-master" for his relentless field oversight of cyclone montha relief efforts across eight districts. His dynamic presence and meticulous approach instilled urgency, while Ajay Jain swiftly coordinated restoration in the worst-hit areas. Chief Secretary Vijayanand also played a key role in accelerating power restoration, bridging administrative gaps and minimizing damage.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh faces heavy to extremely heavy rainfall next week as cyclone montha, named by Thailand, is set to form in the Bay of Bengal. The storm is predicted to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada on October 28. Disaster management teams are on high alert.

As cyclone montha approaches, the natural shield of Hope Island off Kakinada faces a severe test. Authorities have evacuated the island's fishermen families to safety. Kakinada Port is on high alert, and tourist areas are closed as the region braces for the storm's impact, with rehabilitation centers prepared for vulnerable residents.

cyclone montha brought torrential rain to Telangana, causing at least six deaths across 12 districts. Flooding inundated homes, toppled trees, and disrupted transport. Warangal and Hanumakonda experienced record rainfall, with victims including a bedridden man drowned in his home and an auto-rickshaw driver swept away by floodwaters.

cyclone montha is set to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, bringing heavy rain to southern India. The storm, named by Thailand, is expected to make landfall near Kakinada with wind speeds up to 110 kmph. This naming convention, managed by the IMD, aims to simplify tropical storm communication.

Marine fishermen in Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur have docked their boats at fishing harbours and jetties following an alert for cyclone montha. The fisheries department is warning fishermen against venturing into the sea. This disruption, following previous weather-related halts, is impacting the livelihoods of many. Heavy rain is expected in the districts, potentially affecting farmers' paddy yields.

Odisha has evacuated 3,000 people from vulnerable areas as cyclone montha approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rain. The government aims to relocate 35,000 people, prioritizing pregnant women and the elderly, with 140 rescue teams deployed. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for southern districts, with authorities monitoring for landslides.