Published: October 27, 2025 | 4:31 PM IST By Newswell24 Editorial Desk
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India’s eastern and southeastern coasts are on high alert as Cyclone Montha, a newly formed cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea, barrels toward Andhra Pradesh, with landfall expected on October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for 23 out of 26 districts in the state, warning of intense rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding.
🌊 Dual Threat: Bay of Bengal Depression Gains Strength
While Cyclone Montha intensifies in the Arabian Sea, a low-pressure area has also developed over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns of a second weather system gaining strength in the coming days. Meteorologists are closely monitoring both systems, as they could bring widespread disruption across Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
🌀 What Is Cyclone Montha and How Did It Get Its Name?
The name “Montha” was proposed by Thailand, one of the 13 countries that contribute to cyclone naming in the North Indian Ocean region. In Thai, Montha translates to “fragrant flower” or “beautiful blossom”, a poetic contrast to the storm’s destructive potential.
Cyclone names in this region are selected from a pre-approved list maintained by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in New Delhi, operated by the IMD under the guidance of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UN ESCAP. Each member country submits 13 names, forming a pool of 169. When a new cyclone forms, the next name in sequence is assigned.
📍 Expected Landfall: Where Will Montha Strike?
According to IMD forecasts, Cyclone Montha is moving northwestward and is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on October 28. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and coastal flooding, prompting emergency preparations across vulnerable districts.
🚨 Districts on High Alert
The IMD has issued heavy rain advisories for:
- Andhra Pradesh (23 districts under red/orange alert)
- Odisha (likely to be affected by spillover rains)
- Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (under watch for coastal impact)
Local authorities have begun evacuations in low-lying areas and are preparing relief shelters, medical teams, and emergency response units.