Cyclone Montha Alert: IMD Issues Extremely Heavy Rainfall Warning for Coastal States and Central India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a serious weather alert as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, predicting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds across several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh. The cyclonic system, which has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, is poised to make landfall on the eastern coast of India, necessitating high-alert status and mass evacuation efforts in vulnerable regions.

Cyclone Montha Trajectory and Landfall Forecast

The cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ is expected to become a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Its current trajectory indicates it is moving in a north-northwesterly direction and is highly likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, durin Tamil Nadu and Kerala tober 28.

The anticipated wind speeds at the time of landfall are projected to be between 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. This speed can cause significant damage to weak structures, power lines, and communication infrastructure, in addition to disrupting transportation networks.

Widespread Heavy Rainfall Alert

The most significant impact of Cyclone Montha will be the extensive rainfall it brings, with the IMD issuing a multi-day warning for several states.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Coastal Andhra Pradesh is at the epicentre of the warning, with a Red Alert issued for several districts.

• Extremely Heavy Rainfall (over 21 cm) is forecast for isolated places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from October 27 to October 29. Districts like Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore are under the highest threat.
• Telangana is also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 27 to 30, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely on October 28.

Odisha and Chhattisgarh

While the cyclone is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, its peripheral effects will severely impact neighbouring states.

• Odisha has been placed on high alert, particularly its southern and coastal districts. Red Warnings for extremely heavy rainfall have been issued for districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam, and Gajapati, primarily between October 28 and October 29.
• Chhattisgarh is also bracing for significant weather, with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted between October 27 and October 30, and a strong possibility of isolated extremely heavy rainfall on October 28.

Southern States Impact

The southern peninsula will experience an active spell of rainfall due to the system.

• Tamil Nadu and Kerala are forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28. Coastal Karnataka is also expected to see heavy rainfall during this period.
• Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are anticipated across the southern region.

Government Preparedness and Emergency Measures

State governments, along with central agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have mobilized to ensure public safety and minimize loss.

• Evacuation and Shelters: Large-scale evacuations are underway in low-lying and coastal villages of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Officials are working to move residents, especially fishing communities and vulnerable populations, to designated cyclone shelters. In Andhra Pradesh, schools and colleges in several high-alert districts have declared holidays from October 27 to October 31.
• Zero-Casualty Goal: Both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha administrations have stressed a “zero loss of life” target, activating control rooms at district and sub-district levels, and cancelling the leaves of essential government staff.
• Essential Services: Authorities are coordinating with power, water, and telecom companies to ensure uninterrupted essential services and quick restoration post-storm. Stockpiling of essential commodities, including food grains, fuel (petrol, diesel, and LPG), and relief supplies, has been initiated to manage potential shortages.
• Fishermen Warning: The IMD has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry (Yanam), and Odisha from October 26 to October 29. Those already at sea have been urged to return to the coast immediately.

Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to monitor official IMD and state disaster management updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.