Bengal,Oct.28,2025:The Cyclone Montha storm alert refers to official warnings issued by IMD and state governments signalling that the tropical system named Cyclone Montha is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall on India’s east coast, triggering heavy rainfall, strong winds, high waves and possible flooding-
At present-
- The storm has been carrying sustained winds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, as per IMD bulletins.
- It is expected to cross the coast near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) on the evening/night of October 28.
- Alerts have been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and adjacent districts, and large-scale evacuations are underway. Thus, the Cyclone Montha storm alert is a signal for all relevant stakeholders — residents, authorities, farmers, fishermen — to step up response measures.
Where is the storm headed and what are the forecasts
Under the Cyclone Montha storm alert, the forecast track and impact zones are well defined-
Path & landfall
- The system is moving west-northwestwards over the Bay of Bengal, currently located hundreds of kilometres off the coast (for example around 560 km off Visakhapatnam as of Monday evening).
- It is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam (near Kakinada), Andhra Pradesh, on the evening or night of October 28.
- Wind and rainfall intensity
- Maximum sustained winds: 90-100 kmph, gusting up to ~110 kmph.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall (isolated extremely heavy) anticipated in coastal Andhra Pradesh from October 27-29; also significant rain in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.
Alerts and impact zones
- Orange and red alerts issued for multiple districts in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai), Odisha.
- High sea waves (2‐4.7 metres) expected along the Andhra coast for several hours during landfall.
In short, the Cyclone Montha storm alert reflects a serious weather event with potential for widespread disruption.
Who is most at risk under the Cyclone Montha storm alert
Coastal communities & low-lying areas
The primary risk zones under the Cyclone Montha storm alert are coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh (e.g., Kakinada, East & West Godavari, Krishna, Prakasam), as well as neighbouring Odisha and Tamil Nadu. Evacuations have begun in Andhra.
Fishermen & maritime operations
Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea. The IMD has flagged high waves and rough seas along the coast.
Agriculture & crops
With heavy rain and gusty winds, vast tracts of crops (paddy, cotton) are at risk in Andhra Pradesh — over 6.32 lakh hectares may be impacted.
Urban infrastructure & travel
Cities such as Chennai are under orange alert; schools closed; flights cancelled; traffic disruptions anticipated.
Secondary states
Beyond the coast, even areas like Vidarbha (Maharashtra) are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain due to the wider influence of the storm.
Thus, the Cyclone Montha storm alert is relevant not only to the immediate coast but to a wider region as the system evolves.
Key preparedness steps while the Cyclone Montha storm alert is active
Under the Cyclone Montha storm alert, authorities and citizens are recommended to follow many preparedness measures. Here are seven crucial actions–
Evacuate and shelter
When the Cyclone Montha storm alert is active-
- Move people from low-lying, coastal, river-bank zones to safer shelters or higher ground.
- Use designated schools, community centres as emergency shelters.
- Secure property and infrastructure
- Tie down loose items, clear drainage, ensure buildings are ready for strong winds (90-110 kmph) as forecast under the Cyclone Montha storm alert.
- Switch off electrical systems in risk areas; avoid being near live wires/wet electrical equipment.
Stay updated & heed official communications
- Monitor IMD bulletins and local alerts about the Cyclone Montha storm alert through official sources like the IMD website.
- Avoid venturing out during heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong winds.
- Prepare emergency supplies & backup
- Stock food, water, medicines, essential documents in waterproof bags.
- Keep communication devices charged; plan for temporary power/communications loss.
- For the Cyclone Montha storm alert period, ensure evacuation kits are ready.
Protect agriculture, livestock & livelihoods
- Farmers in Andhra Pradesh under the Cyclone Montha storm alert should harvest what can be salvaged, secure crop covers or evacuate livestock.
- Coastal fishing families should bring boats ashore and stay off the sea until the all-clear.
Transport & travel caution
- Flights, trains may be cancelled or delayed due to the storm under the Cyclone Montha storm alert. Check status.
- Avoid non-essential travel in affected districts; stay off beaches and avoid venturing into flood-prone zones.
Community coordination & relief readiness
- Local governments / disaster management teams should activate control rooms, mobilise NDRF/SDRF, reserve shelters.
- Neighbours should help vulnerable persons (elderly, disabled, children) stay safe during the Cyclone Montha storm alert.
These steps aim to translate the Cyclone Montha storm alert into concrete action and reduce loss of life or property.
Agricultural, economic and infrastructural impact of the Cyclone Montha storm alert
Agriculture and crop loss
Under the Cyclone Montha storm alert, the Andhra Pradesh agriculture department has warned that roughly 6.32 lakh hectares of farmland (including paddy and cotton) may be affected by high winds and rain.
This has serious implications for crop yield, food security and farmer income.
H3: Infrastructure, power and transport
- The Cyclone Montha storm alert warns of 90-110 kmph winds; such wind speeds can damage power lines, uproot trees and disrupt transport links.
- Rail and air operations are already seeing cancellations ahead of landfall.
- Coastal inundation and high waves pose threats to roads, bridges and sea front infrastructure.
Economic and human cost
- Evacuations of tens of thousands of people under the Cyclone Montha storm alert are underway (50,000 or more moved to relief camps).
- Disruption to fisheries, agriculture, trade and daily life will ripple out into broader economic costs.
- Post-event recovery, rebuilding and relief will pose resource and governance demands for the states affected.
Thus the Cyclone Montha storm alert is not just a weather warning: it triggers widespread socio-economic repercussions.
Historical context & naming details of the Cyclone Montha storm alert
Naming of ‘Montha’
The name “Montha” (sometimes spelled “Montha”) was assigned by the regional naming list of the World Meteorological Organization / Indian Meteorological Department for tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean.
Cyclone trends
The north Indian Ocean cyclone season typically peaks between April and June and then again around October–November. Cyclones over the Bay of Bengal frequently impact the east coast of India.
The Cyclone Montha storm alert comes in the latter phase of the season, aligning with historical patterns of post-monsoon depressions intensifying.
Comparison with past events
Although Cyclone Montha is forecast to be severe, the east coast has endured stronger systems in past decades (e.g., the 1999 Odisha super-cyclone). The preparedness under the current Cyclone Montha storm alert likely draws from past lessons in evacuation and disaster response.
Challenges in managing the Cyclone Montha storm alert and what lies ahead
Forecast uncertainties & rapid intensification
While the Cyclone Montha storm alert is based on expert modelling, cyclones can change intensity or direction rapidly, especially near landfall. That makes response timing critical.
Vulnerable populations & logistical constraints
Evacuating coastal and riverine communities is complex — transportation, shelter capacity, medical facilities, communication networks must all function under pressure. The Cyclone Montha storm alert demands heavy coordination.
Infrastructure resilience
Even with warning under the Cyclone Montha storm alert, damage to roads, power lines, communications and housing may hamper relief efforts.
Post-storm recovery
After the cyclone passes, the region will face flood, debris, crop loss, road/bridge damage. Planning for post-event relief, rehabilitation and restoration will be crucial under the Cyclone Montha storm alert framework.
Climate change context
Increasing sea surface temperatures and changing weather patterns may make storms like the Cyclone Montha storm alert event more intense. Ensuring that early-warning systems, infrastructure and community resilience keep pace is a long-term challenge.
Staying safe under the Cyclone Montha storm alert
In summary, the Cyclone Montha storm alert is a serious and timely warning for eastern India. With landfall expected soon and heavy impacts forecast across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and nearby regions, there is no room for complacency.
By heeding official advisories, evacuating when necessary, securing property, protecting crops and livelihoods, and preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, communities can reduce risk.
