Cyclone Montha Turns into a Severe Storm: Heavy Rain and High Alert in Several Indian States

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has now intensified into Cyclone Montha, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to several coastal regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone has strengthened into a severe storm early Tuesday morning and is currently centered about 190 kilometers southeast of Machilipatnam. The system is moving northwestward, posing a serious threat to multiple states along India’s eastern coast.

Cyclone Montha: Current Situation

Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada later this evening. The IMD has issued red and orange alerts for coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal, warning residents to remain indoors and avoid venturing near the sea.

The storm has already caused wind speeds ranging from 90 to 110 km/h, uprooting trees and damaging power lines in low-lying areas. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea, as waves up to 5 meters (16 feet) high are predicted during landfall.

In anticipation of severe impact, the administration has evacuated over 50,000 people from vulnerable coastal villages in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to safer locations. More than 55 train services passing through affected regions have also been cancelled to ensure passenger safety.

IMD Issues Rainfall and Storm Warnings

The IMD’s latest bulletin indicates that Cyclone Montha will continue to bring intense rainfall and thunderstorms across several states over the next three days. While coastal Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu are expected to face the heaviest rainfall, the storm’s remnants will likely affect the interior parts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.

The Kerala coast has also been put on moderate alert as strong winds and intermittent showers are forecast. The IMD has advised state governments to remain on standby for possible flash floods, waterlogging, and power disruptions in urban areas.

Impact Across States

• Andhra Pradesh: Strong winds and heavy rain have already disrupted life in several districts including East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Krishna. Schools have been shut, and emergency teams are on high alert.

• Tamil Nadu: Northern coastal regions have reported continuous rainfall since Monday night. Fishermen communities have been relocated as a precautionary measure.

• Odisha and West Bengal: Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely over Ganjam, Balasore, and East Midnapore. Authorities have stocked relief materials and deployed disaster response teams.

• Inland States: As Montha moves inland, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand could witness thunderstorms and lightning in the coming days.

• Rajasthan and Maharashtra: Isolated rainfall with gusty winds is expected in several regions, including Jaipur and Nagpur. Jaipur has already received overnight showers, with cloudy skies persisting today.

Safety Measures and Government Response

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been stationed across critical zones for rescue and relief operations. Coastal districts are equipped with generators, emergency shelters, and medical aid units. Authorities have suspended fishing activities and restricted coastal tourism until further notice.

Power supply lines in affected areas are being monitored to prevent electrocution incidents during heavy rainfall. The Ministry of Home Affairs is coordinating with state governments to ensure timely relief and recovery measures.

What Lies Ahead

Cyclone Montha is expected to gradually weaken into a deep depression within 24 hours after landfall, but heavy rainfall will persist across eastern and central India. Residents in affected states are urged to stay updated through official IMD alerts and local administration advisories.

With proactive evacuation efforts and preparedness by disaster management teams, the government aims to minimize loss of life and property as Cyclone Montha continues its path inland.