Cyclone Montha LIVE: Storm Intensifies into ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’; Andhra Pradesh Braces for Landfall Tonight

Fishing boats are anchored safely at Chennai’s Marina Beach as a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone Montha.

Cyclone Montha LIVE Updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Cyclone Montha has intensified into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ over the Bay of Bengal. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, late tonight.

Heavy rains lashed several coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu on Tuesday morning as the cyclone continued to strengthen. The IMD had earlier issued alerts for these states, warning of intense rainfall, gusty winds, and rough sea conditions along India’s east and southeast coasts.

Key Developments

• Cyclone Strengthens: The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that developed into Cyclone Montha on Sunday has now intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, according to IMD.

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• Current Position: As of Tuesday morning, the cyclone was positioned approximately:

  • 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

  • 270 km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh)

  • 340 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

  • 550 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha)

• Expected Landfall: Montha is expected to move north-northwestwards, crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, tonight (October 28).The system is likely to bring wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, during landfall.

• Alerts and Preparedness:

  • The IMD has issued an orange alert for Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu districts.

  • A yellow alert is in effect for other northeastern districts of Andhra Pradesh.

  • 11 NDRF and 12 SDRF teams have been deployed with fire services, rescue swimmers, OBM boats, and life-saving gear.

  • Medical teams, 108/104 ambulance networks, and emergency shelters have been activated across coastal regions.

Advisory

Residents in vulnerable coastal areas are advised to remain indoors, follow official updates, and avoid venturing near the sea. Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the Bay of Bengal until further notice.

Authorities continue to monitor Cyclone Montha’s trajectory closely, with updates expected through the day as Andhra Pradesh prepares for a potentially severe landfall tonight.