Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Brace for Impact as Cyclone Montha Intensifies in Bay of Bengal

A low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Saturday and is expected to strengthen into Cyclone Montha by October 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

The system is likely to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The depression is currently centred around 990 km east-southeast of Chennai and is moving west-northwestwards, expected to become a deep depression by Sunday. By early Monday, it is forecast to develop 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 make landfall between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh early next week.

According to the IMD, the system moved westwards at 7 kmph over the past six hours and now 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 districts, which are expected to receive very heavy rainfall on October 27. Scattered rainfall has already been recorded across Tamil Nadu over the past 24 hours, with Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari receiving the highest amounts.

The IMD has also warned of rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain 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, indicating squally weather conditions. Fishermen have been strongly advised to remain ashore, and coastal residents have been urged to stay alert and take precautions.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu instructed district authorities to stay fully prepared for the cyclone. He directed officials to formulate special action plans for relief and evacuation, ensure resources are ready, and consider closing educational institutions in vulnerable areas.

The Tamil Nadu government has mobilised over 24,000 personnel, readied 1,400 motor pumps and 103 boats, and opened 215 relief camps and 106 community kitchens to handle potential flooding. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the sea until at least October 28, and those already at sea have been asked to return immediately.