Visakhapatnam / Chennai:
Cyclone Montha has developed into a severe cyclonic storm in the west-central Bay of Bengal prompting high alert levels across southern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that heavy rainfall along with gale winds and turbulent sea conditions are expected over parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha in the next 48 hours.
Present Location of Cyclone Montha:
According to the latest bulletin from IMD, Cyclone Montha is moving north-northwest at a speed of about 15 kmph over the past 6 hours. As of 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, it was reported to be around 190 kilometers south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 270 kilometers from Kakinada and 340 kilometers from Visakhapatnam and the cyclone is expected to maintain its current status and continue this path parallel to the northern Andhra coastline.
Schools Closed and Transportation Disrupted
The cyclone’s approach is causing widespread disruption across a large area. Several schools and colleges have been closed in vulnerable coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Rail and air traffic were also disrupted with trains cancelled for heavy rain and strong crosswinds delaying air traffic.
Government on Alert
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to assess how prepared they are on the ground. After the phone call, Naidu assigned IT Minister Nara Lokesh to coordinate with the PMO.
Naidu directed district officials to remain highly alerted, especially in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and storm surge. Rescue and relief teams from NDRF have already been deployed in sensitive areas.
IMD Red and Orange Alerts
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Tuesday for various coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh: Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore. An Orange Alert remains in place for parts of northern Tamil Nadu (Thiruvallur district) and south Odisha, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Kandhamal, and Ganjam.
Rainfall Activity
Due to Montha, the areas mentioned above will see a widespread activity of heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with gusty winds that may reach 90–100 kmph (55–62 mph) near the coast. The IMD also recommended that fishermen avoid going out to sea and recommended that residents carefully monitor local advisories.
Officials Remind Caution
Power departments, municipalities, and health units have all gone to standby. Emergency shelters and control rooms are being organized for deployment across the coastal districts. Officials have indicated that strong winds and heavy precipitation may continue even after landfall, potentially leading to water inundation and potential power failure in urban areas.
More Stories
Neurologist Warns: These 3 Everyday Habits Could Be Silently Damaging Your Brain
Fitness Trainer Reveals the Body’s Most Underrated Weapon Against Diabetes—‘Muscle Can Soak Up Glucose Even Without Insulin’
Global Obesity Crisis: New Weight-Loss Drugs Bring Hope, But Prevention Still Holds the Key