India,Oct.29,2025:The cyclonic system known as Cyclone Montha formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and gradually strengthened into what the IMD classified as a “Severe Cyclonic Storm” before landfall.
The name “Montha” was assigned by Thailand (meaning “beautiful flower”), though the flower metaphor belies the storm’s force. As of the latest update, Montha is weakening after landfall but remains potent in its impacts-
Landfall & initial impact in Andhra Pradesh
The “Cyclone Montha Alert” became real when the storm made landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada along the Andhra coast, late on 28 October.
Wind speeds at landfall were estimated at 90–110 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h in some places.
For example, wind gusts of ~100 km/h caused trees to uproot, power lines to collapse, and damage to houses in Andhra.
In one case, a 48-year-old woman died in Konaseema district when a palm tree fell on her, highlighting the human cost of the storm.
The “Cyclone Montha Alert” – what the IMD warns
The IMD has issued a Cyclone Montha Alert covering the following key points-
- The storm has weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and is expected to further weaken into a deep depression over Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana.
- Despite weakening, there is a heightened risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and coastal storm surge in affected states until at least 31 October.
- A forecast bulletin indicates rainfall will be “scattered to fairly widespread” across southern, eastern, and northeastern India, with isolated extreme downpours. Because this alert spans multiple states and continues beyond the immediate landfall, the public and authorities must remain vigilant through 29-31 October.
States under threat
Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam
In the zone of landfall, preparations were intense. Seven districts — Krishna, Eluru, East & West Godavari, Kakinada, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and parts of Alluri Sitarama Raju division — witnessed a night curfew from 8:30 pm to 6:00 am.
The alert warns of heavy rainfall and strong winds even as the system moves inland: the risk of flooding, uprooted trees and power outages remains.
In Vijayawada, water-logging, tree-falls and blocked roads emerged early as the storm crossed.
Odisha, Telangana & Jharkhand
Though the landfall occurred in Andhra, adjacent states are affected. Heavy rain and landslides were reported in Odisha.
In Telangana, the IMD issued red/orange alerts for districts such as Warangal, Jangaon, Khammam.
Across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and other east/northeast states, rainfall from the system’s moisture band is expected through 31 October.
Bihar, West Bengal, MP
Even though these areas are farther from landfall, the Cyclone Montha Alert extends into them because of secondary weather systems and the storm’s residual moisture. The IMD warns of heavy rain in Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh etc. through 30–31 October.
Preparations, evacuations and disruption
With the Cyclone Montha Alert in place, state governments and disaster-response authorities ramped up action-
- In Andhra, tens of thousands of people were evacuated from low-lying areas; relief camps were set up.
- Rescue teams from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and others were deployed along coastal Andhra and Odisha.
- Schools and colleges in vulnerable areas (Andhra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu) were closed as a precaution.
- Rail services and flights were cancelled: Over 100 trains were reportedly cancelled by East Coast Railway; flights from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati were also affected.
- Curfews and movement restrictions in high-risk districts in Andhra were enforced to keep the public off the roads during peak hazard hours.
These steps reflect the seriousness of the Cyclone Montha Alert and the potential for damage even as the storm begins weakening.
Rain, wind and aftermath
Rainfall & flooding
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and interior areas through 29–31 October. In some places, isolated extremely heavy downpours (over 20 cm) are forecast.
In Vijayawada, the city recorded about 14 cm of rain early morning after landfall. Roads were inundated and relief shelters opened.
Wind & storm surge
Even though the storm has weakened, gusty winds (60-100 km/h) remain a threat in coastal belts. Uprooted trees and power line damage are already being reported.
A storm surge of up to 10 feet was reported near the coast at landfall.
Agriculture, infrastructure & power
Preliminary estimates show that around 38,000 hectares of standing crops were damaged in Andhra due to Montha’s effects.
Power outages and downed communication lines were widespread, particularly in coastal Andhra and Odisha.
Travel & logistics
Roads and highways saw disruptions due to fallen trees and flooding. For example, in Anakapalli town the National Highway 16 section had to be cleared early Wednesday morning.
Ports, fishing activity, and coastal transport were suspended as a preventative measure.
Given the Cyclone Montha Alert, even regions beyond the landfall zone must stay weather-ready.
Tips for residents, travellers & authorities
For residents
- Heed local alerts and curfews. During landfall peak hours avoid travel, stay indoors if instructed.
- Secure loose outdoor objects (signboards, vehicles, debris) that winds may carry.
- Move away from low-lying, flooded, or landslide-prone zones — coordinate with relief centres if necessary.
- Keep a battery-powered radio/phone handy for updates.
- Avoid driving through water-logged roads; one should never assume the water depth is safe.
- After the storm, beware of fallen power lines, damaged trees, unstable buildings — treat them as hazardous.
For travellers
- Check flight/train status if travelling to Andhra, Odisha, or nearby states. Expect cancellations or delays under the Cyclone Montha Alert.
- If staying in flood-prone or coastal zones, reconsider travel until the weather stabilises.
- Inform family/friends of your location and plan in case of evacuation orders.
For authorities & responders
- Ensure clear communication of the storm track and rainfall forecasts under the Cyclone Montha Alert to district/development-blocks.
- Staffing of evacuation centres, emergency shelters, medical camps must remain active through 31 October.
- Inspect critical infrastructure (dams, embankments, storm-drains) for vulnerabilities.
- Post-storm, mobilise debris-clearing, power restoration, and road-opening teams promptly.
- Coordinate with IMD bulletins to update rainfall and wind hazard zones in near real-time.
Weather patterns and implications
The Cyclone Montha Alert underscores how a coastal storm, even while weakening, can generate a broad swathe of weather impact across states inland. As the storm system moves north-north-westwards, its moisture will spread wider, causing heavy rain far from the coast.
In the medium term, such storms highlight how climate change may be increasing both the frequency and intensity of cyclonic events in the North Indian Ocean region.
Moreover, the heavy rainfall in previously monsoon-wet regions adds to flood risk, landslide risk in hilly zones, and stress on drainage/infrastructure. Monitoring and resilience-building become ever more important.
The Cyclone Montha Alert is a serious weather advisory issued at a critical moment: the storm has made landfall, weakened, yet continues to pose significant hazards — heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, power disruption and infrastructure challenges. Coastal Andhra Pradesh bore the immediate brunt, but the risk spans multiple states through 29-31 October.
