Image Source hindustantimes
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday reported that Cyclone Montha has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. Moving northwest at a speed of 15 kmph, the system is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to several parts of southern and eastern India over the next 48 hours.
Cyclone Path and Current Position
As of 5:30 am, the storm’s center was located about 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 270 km from Kakinada, and 340 km from Visakhapatnam. The IMD said the system continues to move north-northwestward, with wind speeds intensifying steadily.
Heavy Rains Lash Odisha
Eight southern districts of Odisha — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal — witnessed continuous rainfall as Montha intensified. In anticipation of worsening conditions, the state government has begun large-scale evacuations from low-lying and landslide-prone areas. Over 5,000 personnel from the NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services have been deployed across the affected regions.
IMD Issues Red, Orange, and Yellow Alerts
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for 19 districts across southern India, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated locations.
Orange Alert: Nandyal, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Yellow Alert: Kurnool, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, and Chittoor districts are expected to receive moderate to heavy showers.
NDRF Mobilizes 45 Teams for Relief Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized 45 teams to assist with rescue and relief operations in the wake of the approaching cyclone. Of these, 25 teams have been pre-deployed across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry, while 20 others remain on standby for emergency deployment.
State-wise deployment includes:
Andhra Pradesh: 10 teams
Odisha: 6 teams
Tamil Nadu: 3 teams
Telangana: 3 teams
Chhattisgarh: 2 teams
Puducherry: 1 team
Officials warned that Cyclone Montha is likely to bring intense winds, rough sea conditions, and flash floods in vulnerable coastal belts. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Authorities across southern and eastern India are on high alert as the severe cyclonic storm inches closer to the coast, with both state and central agencies coordinating for rapid response and disaster mitigation efforts.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like The Hindu, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, etc.) transparently.]
