Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall on Andhra Pradesh Coast; Severe Warnings Issued Amidst Heavy Rains and Winds

Cyclone Montha, a severe cyclonic storm, has made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing with it torrential rains and powerful winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued stringent warnings for the affected regions as this significant Bay of Bengal storm intensified. The storm, officially recognized as Cyclone Montha Andhra Pradesh, crossed the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, in the early hours of Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Cyclone Montha’s Path and Intensification

Forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Montha rapidly intensified, transitioning from a deep depression to a severe cyclonic storm. The IMD tracked the movement of Cyclone Montha northwestwards, with sustained wind speeds reaching 90-100 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 110 kilometers per hour, as it approached the coast. This powerful system was named ‘Montha’ by Thailand, meaning ‘fragrant flower’. After making landfall, Cyclone Montha began to weaken, first into a cyclonic storm and subsequently into a deep depression as it moved inland across coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana.

Severe Warnings and Rainfall Forecast for Cyclone Montha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over several districts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, warning of potential localized flooding and significant disruption. Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Krishna, East Godavari, and West Godavari, experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall, a direct impact of Cyclone Montha. The forecast indicated that the widespread rainfall, fueled by the cyclone’s moisture, would continue for several days, extending to neighboring states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. This Andhra Pradesh cyclone warning was crucial for timely preparation.

State Preparedness and Response Measures for Cyclone Montha

In anticipation of Cyclone Montha’s impact, authorities in Andhra Pradesh implemented extensive preparedness measures. The state government ordered the closure of schools and colleges in affected districts and initiated the evacuation of over 38,000 people from vulnerable coastal villages to nearly 2,000 relief camps. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and assured citizens of the state’s readiness, with central support also pledged. Special officers were appointed to oversee relief and restoration efforts in various districts. The health department unveiled a comprehensive three-tier disease control strategy, ensuring adequate stocks of essential medicines and deploying mobile medical teams and boat clinics for remote areas. In neighboring Odisha, approximately 32,000 people were shifted from low-lying areas, and authorities remained on high alert, though the state reported escaping major damage. Telangana also issued red alerts for several districts and closed schools in some regions, anticipating the reach of Cyclone Montha.

Immediate Impact and Disruptions from Cyclone Montha

The cyclone’s landfall brought with it considerable damage and disruption. Reports indicated at least two casualties in Andhra Pradesh, with a woman losing her life in Konaseema district after a tree fell on her. Uprooted trees, damaged houses, and power outages were widespread across coastal districts. Transportation networks faced significant interruptions; numerous flights were cancelled at airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati, and around 120 trains were cancelled across the South Central Railway zone. A night curfew was imposed on vehicular movement in seven districts of Andhra Pradesh, with only emergency services permitted. Road damage has necessitated a substantial budget for repairs, highlighting the physical impact of Cyclone Montha. The cyclonic storm landfall caused widespread concern.

Ongoing Vigilance and Outlook Post-Cyclone Montha

As Cyclone Montha weakens and moves further inland, the IMD has cautioned that its remnants will continue to bring heavy rainfall to many parts of central and northeastern India. Authorities remain vigilant, with ongoing efforts to restore power, clear debris, and provide essential services to affected populations following the intense Cyclone Montha event. The news of the cyclone’s impact underscores the continued threat posed by severe weather events in the region. The comprehensive reporting on this event has been crucial for public awareness, including the IMD cyclone alert. This latest news highlights the ongoing challenges of climate change and disaster preparedness for India’s eastern coastline, particularly concerning events like Cyclone Montha.