A severe cyclonic storm, Cyclone Montha, is barreling toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting high alert across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and adjoining Telangana regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclone is expected to make landfall between Ongole and Kakinada late on Monday evening (October 28) with wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, accompanied by torrential rainfall and thunderstorms.
According to IMD’s latest update, northern districts including Guntur, Bapatla, and Vijayawada are likely to experience heavy downpours, while Telangana — especially Hyderabad and Warangal — could witness intense spells of rain and strong winds. IMD has placed these regions under orange alert, cautioning residents about possible waterlogging and flash floods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the preparedness and spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, assuring full central assistance for relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Centre is coordinating with IMD, INCOIS, and disaster management agencies for real-time monitoring and quick response operations.
Chief Minister Naidu has instructed officials to track the cyclone on an hourly basis and accelerate evacuation drives in vulnerable areas. Relief camps have been established to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to affected residents. “All families from low-lying areas are being shifted to safety, and immediate cash and essential supplies are being distributed,” said a senior state official.
Meanwhile, Odisha has moved thousands of residents to safer locations across Malkangiri, Koraput, and Ganjam districts. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari affirmed, “Our goal is zero casualty.” Over 5,000 personnel from NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services have been deployed to red-alert regions to ensure swift rescue and response operations.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has predicted sea waves up to 4.7 metres between Nellore and Srikakulam, along with a storm surge of about one metre above normal tide levels near Yanam and Machilipatnam. Coastal residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid sea travel until the storm subsides.
In Andhra Pradesh, special measures have been taken to ensure healthcare accessibility. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said that 787 pregnant women nearing delivery have been shifted to government hospitals in safe zones “to ensure uninterrupted medical attention during the cyclone’s peak phase.”
Transport and connectivity have taken a major hit. Over 67 trains passing through Visakhapatnam have been cancelled, while IndiGo and Air India Express suspended all flights from the city for the day. Passengers have been advised to check flight and train statuses before travel and expect delays due to flooding and strong winds.
Schools and colleges in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Tamil Nadu remain closed amid the worsening weather. Authorities in Kakinada have declared holidays until October 31, while West Godavari, Eluru, and Annamayya districts have also ordered temporary closures for safety.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has activated 24x7 emergency helplines, urging citizens to follow official advisories and refrain from spreading rumours. Fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea until October 29, as strong winds and high tides are expected to continue even after the cyclone’s landfall.
