Cyclone Mantha Triggers Red Alert in Andhra, Odisha

The eastern coastline of India is currently gripped by an intense state of emergency as Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Mantha’ barrels towards the coast, triggering a Red Alert in multiple districts across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The powerful system, churning violently in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall, bringing with it the threat of extreme weather, destructive winds, and torrential rainfall.

Impending Landfall and Storm Intensity

According to the latest advisories from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Mantha has intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm and is projected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, specifically between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada. The landfall is anticipated to occur during the evening or night of Tuesday, October 28th.

At the time of crossing the coast, the cyclone is forecast to pack a significant punch, with maximum sustained wind speeds estimated to be between 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. The name ‘Mantha,’ contributed by Thailand, means a fragrant flower in Thai, but the storm’s current behaviour mirrors its Sanskrit-derived meaning: ‘Manthan,’ which signifies the churning or intense agitation of the ocean.

Andhra Pradesh: The Eye of the Storm

Coastal Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the most severe impact. The state government has placed coastal districts under the highest level of alert.

• Evacuation and Preparedness: Precautionary evacuations are underway, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable coastal villages. Officials have set up thousands of relief centres and are moving pregnant women and the elderly to safer locations.
• Rainfall and Wind: The outer bands of the cyclone have already brought heavy to very heavy rainfall to districts like Nellore, Tirupati, and Kakinada, leading to waterlogging and disruptions. Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for numerous districts, including Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Krishna.
• Infrastructure Impact: High waves and turbulent sea conditions have been reported, with coastal erosion causing damage, notably to the Uppada–Kakinada beach road. Major ports, including Kakinada, have hoisted the highest warning signal (Number 10), indicating an extremely dangerous situation.
• Emergency Response: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are strategically deployed across the state, equipped with rescue gear, boats, and medical kits to ensure a ‘zero casualty’ objective.

Odisha: Bracing for Spillover Effect

While the direct landfall is expected in Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha is on high alert due to the significant spillover effect.

• Red Alert Districts: A Red Warning has been issued for eight southern districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Ganjam, predicting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
• Mitigation Measures: The Odisha government is coordinating large-scale evacuations from vulnerable coastal and hilly areas. Hundreds of cyclone shelters have been readied, and multiple rescue teams from the NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services are on standby. Special attention is being paid to landslide-prone hilly terrains, such as those in Gajapati district.
• Coastal Restrictions: The sea has turned rough along the Odisha coast, notably at Gopalpur Port, where public access to the beach has been strictly restricted.

Disruption to Travel and Advisory

The cyclonic storm has caused immediate disruptions to transport networks. Several flights from Visakhapatnam have been cancelled, and the Indian Railways has either cancelled or short-terminated numerous services passing through the affected regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly spoken with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, assuring full central support for the relief and rescue operations. Authorities across the states are urging citizens to stay indoors, heed official warnings, and avoid coastal areas until the storm has safely passed. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal until at least October 30th.

This developing situation demands continuous monitoring as ‘Mantha’ moves closer to the mainland, posing a serious threat to life and property along the eastern coast.