As India’s eastern coastline braces for yet another powerful cyclone, Cyclone Montha has emerged as a major weather threat, intensifying rapidly over the Bay of Bengal. With red alerts issued for several coastal districts, flight and train cancellations, and widespread rain already disrupting life, states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and even parts of West Bengal are on high alert.
A Storm Gains Strength in the Bay of Bengal
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha formed over the central Bay of Bengal earlier this week and has been intensifying quickly. The system is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, by the evening or night of October 28, 2025.
Windspeeds are projected to reach 90–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, making it a severe cyclonic storm. The IMD has also warned of extremely rough sea conditions, with waves expected to rise as high as 4–5 meters along the Andhra coast.
The cyclone’s wide radius means its impact won’t be limited to Andhra Pradesh alone. Odisha’s southern districts and West Bengal’s coastal areas are also expected to witness strong winds and torrential rainfall over the next few days.
Transport Disruptions: Flights and Trains Cancelled
The impact of Cyclone Montha has already begun to ripple through India’s transport network. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 65 trains have been cancelled across the coastal belt. Rail routes between Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Bhubaneswar are among the worst affected.
Air travel has also taken a hit. Airlines including IndiGo and Air India Express have suspended several flights operating out of Visakhapatnam Airport for October 28 and 29. Travelers have been urged to check flight status before heading to airports, as more cancellations and delays are expected.
Meanwhile, several bus services have been diverted or suspended, especially in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Srikakulam districts, where heavy rains have led to waterlogging and poor visibility.
Schools Closed, Red Alerts Issued
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have announced closure of schools and colleges in multiple districts, including Visakhapatnam, Eluru, West Godavari, and Konaseema, as a precautionary measure.
The IMD has issued red alerts for districts likely to be hit hardest by the storm. These include Kakinada, Konaseema, Krishna, and West Godavari, which are expected to experience very heavy rainfall and strong winds exceeding 100 km/h.
In Odisha, districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, and Puri are under orange alert as the storm’s outer bands bring widespread rain and squally winds.
Torrential Rain and Flood Risk
Rain has already begun pounding the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, causing local flooding in low-lying areas. The Visakhapatnam district administration has reported waterlogging in several parts of the city, disrupting traffic and power supply.
Meteorologists warn that intense rainfall could continue for 48–72 hours after landfall, leading to flash floods, river overflows, and landslides in hilly regions.
The IMD has also cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea, citing “extremely rough” conditions in the Bay of Bengal and along the Andhra-Odisha coast. All fishing vessels have been instructed to return to the shore immediately.
Emergency Preparations in Full Swing
Both state and central authorities are in full preparation mode. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have deployed multiple teams in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Emergency shelters, food supplies, and medical teams are being readied to accommodate evacuees from vulnerable areas. Thousands of people have already been shifted from coastal villages to relief centers.
In Visakhapatnam, local authorities have also issued advisories asking residents to:
- Stay indoors during heavy winds and rain.
- Secure loose items on balconies or rooftops.
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially near coastal or riverfront areas.
- Stock up on essential supplies like drinking water, food, and medicines.
Kolkata and East India Brace for Rainy Week
As Cyclone Montha moves inland, it is expected to weaken but still bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata may witness spells of moderate to heavy rain through the week, accompanied by wind speeds of up to 50–60 km/h. Local authorities have advised caution in areas prone to waterlogging, particularly south and central Kolkata.
Tourist destinations along the coast, including Digha and Mandarmani, are also likely to be hit by strong waves and rough sea conditions.
Lessons from the Past
Cyclone Montha is the latest in a series of powerful storms that have struck India’s eastern coast over the past decade. The Bay of Bengal is known for generating severe cyclones, and climate scientists have noted that warmer sea surface temperatures are contributing to the increasing intensity of these storms.
In recent years, India has significantly improved its disaster preparedness, with faster evacuation systems, improved forecasting technology, and better coordination between central and state agencies. This has helped minimize casualties compared to earlier decades.
However, experts stress that urban flooding and power infrastructure remain major challenges during such extreme weather events.
What Citizens Should Do
As Cyclone Montha approaches landfall, here are a few safety steps for those in the affected regions:
- Avoid venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
- Disconnect electrical appliances during power fluctuations.
- Keep a battery-powered torch and radio ready for emergency alerts.
- Stay tuned to official IMD and state government updates instead of rumors.
- Cooperate with authorities during evacuations — early movement saves lives.
Outlook
Meteorologists expect Cyclone Montha to weaken into a deep depression after landfall but warn that heavy to very heavy rain could continue in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Telangana till mid-week.
By October 30, the storm system may move northward toward Jharkhand and West Bengal, bringing widespread showers before gradually dissipating.
Authorities continue to emphasize preparedness over panic: with advance warning, community cooperation, and safety measures, the worst effects of the storm can be mitigated.
Final Thoughts
Cyclone Montha is yet another reminder of how unpredictable and powerful nature can be — and how critical preparedness has become in the age of climate change. For now, all eyes remain on Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, as residents brace for impact and hope that the storm passes with minimal destruction.
Stay safe, stay informed, and follow local weather alerts closely as India faces Cyclone Montha 2025.
Cyclone Montha 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Cyclone Montha?
Cyclone Montha is a severe cyclonic storm that formed over the Bay of Bengal in October 2025, affecting India’s eastern coastal states — mainly Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
2. When will Cyclone Montha make landfall?
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), on October 28, 2025.
3. Which states are affected by Cyclone Montha?
The cyclone primarily impacts Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal, with heavy rainfall also expected in Telangana and Jharkhand after landfall.
4. What are the wind speeds of Cyclone Montha?
The IMD reports sustained wind speeds of 90–100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h, making it a severe cyclonic storm.
5. Has the IMD issued a red alert for Cyclone Montha?
Yes, a red alert has been issued for coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari, warning of extremely heavy rain and strong winds.
6. Are flights and trains cancelled due to Cyclone Montha?
Yes. Over 65 trains across coastal Andhra Pradesh have been cancelled, and flights from Visakhapatnam Airport have been suspended by major airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express.
7. Is school closed because of Cyclone Montha?
Yes, schools and colleges in several districts — including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Eluru — have been temporarily closed as a safety measure.
8. Will Cyclone Montha affect Kolkata and West Bengal?
Yes. After landfall, the weakened system will bring rain and gusty winds to Kolkata, Digha, and other coastal areas of West Bengal throughout the week.
9. How severe is Cyclone Montha compared to past cyclones?
Cyclone Montha is classified as a severe cyclonic storm, similar in intensity to previous storms like Cyclone Asani and Cyclone Gulab, though slightly weaker than super cyclones such as Amphan or Phailin.
10. What safety measures should people take during Cyclone Montha?
Residents should stay indoors, avoid flooded areas, disconnect electrical appliances, and follow local evacuation orders. Stock essential items like water, food, and medicines in advance.
11. What is the IMD’s advice for fishermen during Cyclone Montha?
The IMD has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the sea, as conditions in the Bay of Bengal are extremely rough with high waves and strong currents.
12. Has the government begun evacuations?
Yes. Thousands of residents from low-lying areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been moved to relief camps set up by the NDRF and SDRF teams.
13. Which districts in Andhra Pradesh are most at risk?
The most vulnerable districts include Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, West Godavari, and Krishna, according to IMD warnings.
14. How long will Cyclone Montha last?
Cyclone Montha is expected to impact the region for 2–3 days, with heavy rainfall and wind persisting even after it weakens into a depression inland.
15. Will there be power outages during Cyclone Montha?
Yes. Power cuts are likely in coastal regions due to strong winds, flooding, and precautionary shutdowns by electricity boards.
16. How can I track Cyclone Montha live?
You can track Cyclone Montha live on the IMD Cyclone Tracker, Windy App, or via updates from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and YourBlogStory.com.
17. Will Cyclone Montha impact Telangana or interior states?
Yes. After landfall, Montha will likely weaken into a deep depression but bring heavy rain to Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
18. Are airports in Odisha also affected?
Flights from Bhubaneswar Airport may face delays or cancellations due to bad weather, though major disruptions are currently limited to Andhra Pradesh.
19. Is Cyclone Montha linked to climate change?
Experts believe rising sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal due to global warming are contributing to stronger and more frequent cyclones like Montha.
20. When will the weather return to normal?
IMD forecasts that weather conditions across the east coast will gradually normalize by October 30, 2025, as Cyclone Montha moves inland and weakens.