Cyclone Montha Nears Andhra Pradesh Coast: Kakinada Braces for Landfall
Cyclone Montha Nears Andhra Pradesh Coast: Kakinada Braces for Landfall
Cyclone Montha strengthens in the Bay of Bengal and is set to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds; authorities issue alerts.
The depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm likely to be named Cyclone Montha by Monday. It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada on Tuesday night, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph and gusts reaching up to 110 kmph. The system will trigger heavy rainfall across the north Tamil Nadu coast starting Sunday, with the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai issuing an orange alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are also bracing for squally winds and heavy rainfall, while parts of coastal Karnataka may experience downpours early next week. Red alerts have been issued for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, indicating the risk of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places for three days from Monday. Authorities warn that squally winds of 50-60 kmph could prevail along the coast and in the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin area.
Fishermen have been advised to return to the coast immediately as seas turn rough and winds pick up. The storm is also likely to bring heavy rain to Odisha, Kerala, and Puducherry, with Tamil Nadu anticipated to see escalating rainfall as Montha approaches. The onset of the cyclone has prompted disaster-preparedness measures, with state and central agencies monitoring the situation closely.
Preparations are being coordinated at the national and state levels. Cabinet Secretariat officials reviewed readiness in a National Crisis Management Committee meeting, while Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, along with disaster response teams, are working to mobilize relief and shelter arrangements. The public is urged to stay indoors during the storm, secure loose objects, and monitor official weather bulletins for updates on landfall timing and alerts.
Cover image source: Severe cyclone to cross Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday night 🔗
