Cyclone Montha Strengthens in Bay of Bengal; Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on High Alert

The low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal strengthened into a depression on Saturday and is expected to intensify into Cyclone Montha by October 27.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Currently centred about 990 km east-southeast of Chennai, the system is moving west-northwest and is expected to become a deep depression by Sunday. By early Monday morning, it is forecast to evolve into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. Named by Thailand, “Montha” means “beautiful flowers”, and the cyclone is projected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast, with a possible landfall between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam early next week.

In its latest update, the IMD reported that the depression is moving at 7 kmph and lies approximately 460 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 950 km east-southeast of Chennai, 960 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 970 km southeast of Kakinada, and 1,030 km south-southeast of Gopalpur.

An orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, with very heavy rainfall expected on October 27. Over the past 24 hours, scattered showers were recorded across Tamil Nadu, with Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts receiving the highest rainfall totals.

The IMD has also warned of strong winds, heavy rain, and rough sea conditions along the Andhra Pradesh coast during the landfall period. Storm warning cage No. 1 has been hoisted at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, signalling that squally conditions may affect coastal waters. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, and residents along the coast are urged to remain alert.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness for the cyclone. In a teleconference with district Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and senior officials, he emphasized proactive measures, including special action plans for relief and evacuation, as well as keeping resources ready. Authorities were also advised to consider declaring holidays for educational institutions in vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has mobilised 24,149 officials, deployed over 1,400 motor pumps and 103 boats, and opened more than 215 relief camps and 106 community kitchens to tackle potential flooding. Fisherfolk have been strictly advised to avoid the sea until at least October 28, with those already at sea instructed to return immediately.