By: The Trek News Desk
Weather conditions along India’s eastern coast have turned alarming once again as Cyclone ‘Montha’ continues to strengthen over the Bay of Bengal.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system, which initially developed into a deep depression, has now intensified into a cyclonic storm and is rushing toward the coastal regions.
The IMD forecasts that Cyclone Montha will make landfall near Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh coast) on the evening or night of October 28. In response, both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments have declared a high alert, ordered school closures, and begun mass evacuations from vulnerable coastal belts.
IMD Issues Path Forecast and Warning
The IMD has reported that the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is now tracking west-northwestward and is likely to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada.
Meteorologists warn of heavy rainfall, gale-force winds reaching 90–110 km/h, and possible storm surges, which may inundate low-lying coastal districts in both states.
Schools Shut as Precautionary Measure
In Andhra Pradesh:
- Kakinada district authorities have begun relocating residents from Hope Island to safer shelters. All schools in the district will remain closed from October 27 to 31.
- West Godavari and Eluru districts have declared two-day holidays for schools and colleges on October 27–28.
- East Godavari, Annamayya, and Kadapa districts have issued similar closure orders.
- NTR, Bapatla, Krishna, and Guntur districts will keep schools shut from October 27–29.
- In Konaseema district, the administration said the final decision on school closures would depend on rainfall intensity and changing weather patterns.
In Odisha:
In Gajapati district, Collector Madhumita ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and anganwadi centres until October 30.
Other southern districts of Odisha are expected to follow suit as the storm approaches landfall.
Eight Districts Under Red Zone in Odisha
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Sunday chaired a high-level preparedness review meeting.
He identified eight southern districts, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, as the most vulnerable, placing them under the Red Zone category.
All 30 district collectors have been directed to stay on standby, keep relief camps ready, and ensure timely evacuation from flood-prone and coastal areas.
Government Focus: Minimising Damage and Casualties
Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments are prioritising relief and rehabilitation efforts ahead of landfall.
Disaster management teams have already been deployed, while departments of energy, health, and water resources have been instructed to coordinate closely to handle potential power outages, flooding, and medical emergencies.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid panic, and follow official weather advisories as the storm intensifies.
Source: News Agencies
