Cyclone Montha Live Updates: IMD Issues Red Alert for Andhra Pradesh; Schools Closed as Heavy Rain Lashes Coast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named Montha, prompting heavy rain alerts across the east and southeast coast of India.

The cyclone is expected to strengthen into a “severe cyclonic storm” by October 28 as it moves closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD has warned of widespread heavy rainfall over parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal in the coming days.

Emergency Measures and School Closures

In anticipation of the cyclone’s landfall, schools in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and West Godavari districts will remain closed for two days. Disaster management teams have also been placed on high alert across coastal areas.

An orange alert has been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, while Andhra Pradesh faces a red alert in nine coastal districts — Kakinada, Kona Seema, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore.

IMD Forecast

Montha is packing wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, with gusts up to 110 kmph, and is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28, the IMD said.

Authorities have urged fishermen not to venture into the sea, while coastal residents have been advised to prepare for potential flooding, power disruptions, and strong winds.