The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm, named “Montha”, by October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In view of the evolving situation, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has sounded a full alert across all coastal and adjoining districts. The name “Montha”, suggested by Thailand, means “fragrant flower” or “beautiful flower.”
The system is currently located about 990 km southeast of Kakinada and is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28, as per an official release.
To ensure prompt preparedness and effective response, the state government has appointed senior IAS officers as Special Officers for all coastal and adjoining districts to oversee relief and rehabilitation operations. Chief Secretary K Vijayanand issued orders directing them to proceed immediately to their respective districts, establish Cyclone Control Rooms, and ensure seamless coordination with District Collectors.
Odisha, Tamil Nadu on High Alert
Disaster management teams in Odisha have been put on high alert as Cyclone Montha forms over the Bay of Bengal, with landfall expected near the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm is likely to develop by October 26 and intensify before hitting the coast near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, on the evening or night of October 28.
Cyclone Montha: Current position and trajectory
The deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal moved northwestwards with a speedof 5 kmph during past 6 hours, and lay centred at 1130 hrs IST of today, the26th October 2025, over the same region, near latitude 11.3°N & longitude 87.0°E, about 620 km west of Port Blair(Andaman & Nicobar Islands), 770 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu),820 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 810 km southeast ofKakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and 920 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha). It is likely to move nearly west-northwestwards, intensify further into a cyclonic storm over southwest & adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal during next 12hours.
Thereafter, it is likely to move northwestwards, then north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of 28 October. Continuing to move further north-northwestwards, it is very likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during evening/night of 28th October as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.
Senior officers deployed across coastal zones
As per the release, senior IAS officer RP Sisodia will act as the Zonal In-charge Officer for the coastal belt, overseeing preparedness in the West Godavari to Chittoor districts. Another official, Ajay Jain, has been entrusted with the Visakhapatnam zone, covering Srikakulam to Konaseema districts, which are expected to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall during the cyclone’s landfall.
Other senior officers have been allotted to specific districts to strengthen field-level coordination: KVN Chakradhara Babu (Srikakulam), Pattanshetti Ravi Subash (Vizianagaram), Narayana Bharath Gupta (Manyam), Vadarevu Vinay Chand (ASR), K. Kanna Babu (East Godavari), VR Krishna Teja (Kakinada), Vijaya Rama Raju (Konaseema), V Prasanna Venkatesh (West Godavari), Kantilal Dande (Eluru), Amrapali Kata (Krishna), Shashi Bhushan Kumar (NTR), M. Venu Gopal Reddy (Bapatla), Kona Sasidhar (Prakasam), Dr N Yuvaraj (Nellore), P Arun Babu (Tirupati), and PS Girisha (Chittoor).
According to the order, these officers will coordinate rescue, relief, and restoration operations, ensure last-mile delivery of essential services, enumerate losses, disburse compensation, and facilitate restoration of normalcy after the cyclone.
Chief Secretary Vijayanand emphasised that all departments, including Revenue, Panchayat Raj, Energy, Roads and Buildings, Water Resources, and Health, must work in close coordination under the supervision of the appointed Special Officers.
“With experienced officers like RP Sisodia and Ajay Jain leading preparedness efforts, and a strong administrative team deployed across the coastal districts, the Andhra Pradesh government is fully geared to minimise the impact of Cyclone ‘Montha’ and safeguard lives and property along the state's coastline,” the release stated.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds predicted
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several states in anticipation of the cyclone. Andhra Pradesh is expected to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from October 27–28, particularly in Yanam and Rayalaseema. A yellow alert has been declared for the entire state on October 26.
Odisha is also likely to face heavy to very heavy rain in districts such as Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri between October 28 and 29. Wind speeds could reach 60–70 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h in some areas.
Tamil Nadu is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall at most places, with isolated heavy showers on October 25–26 and again on October 28.
Emergency measures in place
Disaster management teams in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu have been placed on high alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 25–29 due to extremely rough conditions.
In response to the cyclone warning, Odisha’s fire department has also been placed on high alert. Fire Officer Prabhat Kumar stated that the department is ready with the SRC boat and draft team to respond immediately. Health facilities have been readied, and special efforts are being made to safely shift pregnant women expected to deliver in the coming days.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during the period. Early preparation and coordinated disaster management measures aim to minimise damage and ensure public safety as Cyclone Montha approaches the eastern coast.
Public advisory issued
Residents in coastal and vulnerable districts are advised to stock essential supplies, secure loose objects, and remain indoors during high winds and heavy rain. Officials continue to coordinate with state and central agencies to ensure timely evacuation and relief if necessary.
*With Agency Inputs
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