A Brewing Tempest Over the Bay of Bengal
A powerful storm is gathering strength over the Bay of Bengal, triggering widespread concern along India’s eastern shoreline. Cyclone Montha, which formed from a deep depression on October 26, 2025, has rapidly intensified into a formidable system. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Montha is advancing north-westward at around 15–16 km/h, posing a severe threat to Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu in the coming days.
By Monday morning, the storm’s center lay roughly 620 km south-southeast of Kakinada and 560 km east-southeast of Chennai. Forecasts indicate it will evolve into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, with winds expected to reach 100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h, when it makes landfall near Kakinada late Tuesday.
Mounting Response: States Mobilize for Impact
As Montha gathers force, authorities have moved swiftly to mitigate its potential devastation. Over 50,000 residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable coastal zones in Andhra Pradesh, where 3.9 million people could ultimately feel the storm’s impact. Schools and colleges across threatened districts remain closed, while emergency personnel have been recalled from leave.
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Andhra Pradesh and an Orange Alert for Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Fishermen have been barred from entering the sea, and ports have been placed on high alert. In Odisha, the government has intensified flood preparedness, cancelling leave for officials in nine districts, while Tamil Nadu braces for potential urban flooding and power disruptions reminiscent of Cyclone Michaung (2023).
Disaster management teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are strategically positioned to aid rescue and relief efforts. Temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical facilities are being readied as coastal communities brace for the storm surge.
Wider Effects: From Coastlines to the Hinterlands
Cyclone Montha’s reach extends well beyond its projected landfall zone. Neighboring states—Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh—are forecast to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with risks of flash floods and landslides. Further north, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim may experience moderate showers and gusty winds between October 29 and 31. Even Nepal has issued warnings of potential rainfall and early snowfall in mountainous regions, urging caution among trekkers.
The cyclone’s timing, coinciding with the retreating monsoon, compounds the danger. Saturated soils increase the likelihood of flooding, while strong winds threaten infrastructure, agriculture, and power networks.
Why Montha Matters: The Anatomy of a High-Risk Storm
Meteorologists identify several reasons for Montha’s heightened threat:
· Rapid Intensification: Warm Sea surface temperatures and strong upper-level outflow are energizing the storm, allowing it to strengthen quickly despite moderate wind shear.
· Low-Lying Coastlines: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha’s dense coastal populations remain highly vulnerable, with limited natural defenses against tidal surges.
· Compound Hazards: Persistent rainfall from the monsoon season will exacerbate flood risks, especially in urban centers like Chennai, where drainage systems remain inadequate.
· Operational Strain: Coordinating multi-state evacuation, relief logistics, and post-cyclone recovery presents an enormous challenge for already stretched disaster management resources.
The Test of Readiness and Resilience
The coming days will determine how well India’s preparedness measures withstand Montha’s assault. The country’s early warning systems, community evacuations, and inter-state coordination are being put to a stringent test.
Cyclone Montha serves as a stark reminder of the increasing volatility of Bay of Bengal weather systems and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and sustained climate adaptation. For now, vigilance, communication, and swift collective action remain the best defenses as India’s east coast braces for impact.
(With agency inputs)
