R ARIVANANTHAM
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI/AHMEDABAD, OCT 27
As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and heads toward India’s east coast, authorities in southern states—led by India Meteorological Department (IMD)—and even western-states meteorological cells are on high alert. Evacuations, school shutdowns and deployment of disaster-response forces are in full swing.
(A) Cyclonic Storm “Montha” [Pronunciation: Mon-Tha] over Westcentral & adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal
The Cyclonic Storm “Montha” [Pronunciation: Mon-Tha] over westcentral and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours… pic.twitter.com/JF5nHz9MyM
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 27, 2025
சென்னையின் பல்வேறு பகுதிகளில் நடைபெற்று வரும் மழை தொடர்பான முன்னேற்பாட்டுப் பணிகளை ஆய்வு செய்து வருகிறோம்.
அந்த வகையில், @chennaicorp, தேனாம்பேட்டை மண்டலம், வார்டு 109, சூளைமேடு, மேற்கு நமச்சிவாயபுரம் பகுதியில் விருகம்பாக்கம் கால்வாய் கூவம் ஆற்றில் சேரும் இடத்தில் கூவம் ஆற்றின்… pic.twitter.com/o8ZQiGRBSj
— Udhay – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@Udhaystalin) October 27, 2025
மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்களின் உத்தரவின்பேரில், சென்னையில் உள்ள நீர்வழிப்பாதைகளை ஆய்வு செய்து வருகிறோம்.
அந்த வகையில், @chennaicorp, கோடம்பாக்கம் மண்டலம், வார்டு-137, ஜாபர்கான்பேட்டை சூளைப்பள்ளம் புகழேந்தி தெரு விரிவாக்கம் பகுதியில் இருந்து வருகிற கால்வாய், அடையாறு… pic.twitter.com/pogGbV8A3W
— Udhay – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@Udhaystalin) October 27, 2025
Storm Path & Warnings
The cyclone, which formed from a deep-depression off the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near the coast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam late October 28, by IMD projection.
- Red-alert coastlines brace for storm surge, heavy rain and strong winds as Montha nears landfall
- Multiple states activate evacuations, school closures and disaster forces; western zones also on watch
- Military, NDRF and coast-guard join front-line mitigation in one of India’s biggest preparedness drives this season
Wind speeds of 90-100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, are forecast inland at landfall.
Extremely heavy rainfall warned over coastal Andhra Pradesh through Oct 27-29; heavy impact expected in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining regions.
Western states too remain vigilant: For example, in Gujarat districts such as Amreli, Gir Somnath and Diu, the IMD forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds amid broader weather instability.
Preparedness & Evacuations
In Andhra Pradesh, evacuees numbering upwards of 50,000 people have been moved from low-lying coastal and riverine areas to relief camps.
NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF teams have been deployed in affected districts: 11 NDRF and 12 SDRF teams placed in districts including Anakapalli and Payakaraopeta as the storm nears.
Schools and colleges have been closed as a precaution in multiple districts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry ahead of the landfall.
In Odisha, 128 rescue teams have been deployed across eight southern districts: Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi & Kandhamal.
The state governments have cancelled leaves for essential staff, opened cyclone-shelters, stocked food/water/medicine, suspended normal port & fishing operations and hoisted danger signals at all ports.
Security & Armed Forces On Alert
A depression brewing over the East-Central #ArabianSea is expected to trigger rough seas and strong winds. Acting on #IMD forecasts, @IndiaCoastGuard has proactively alerted all merchant vessels and fishing boats along the #Gujarat coast. #ICG ships, aircraft, and coastal… pic.twitter.com/KXXZaSx9Pd
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) October 26, 2025
The IMD alert prompted the Indian Army, NDRF and other agencies to mark “maximum readiness”.
In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered immediate evacuation of coastal residents and real-time monitoring: “Zero casualty is our goal. All departments must coordinate 24×7.”
Indian Coast Guard and state marine-units have advised fishermen not to venture into sea and placed vessels on standby for rescue operations in high-tide zones.
Specific State Measures
Andhra Pradesh
Holiday announced for schools in districts including Vizianagaram, Krishna, Guntur, West Godavari and Kakinada till Oct 31 in some zones.
219 cyclone shelters opened in 57 coastal mandals; approx. ₹19 crore released for relief operations.
All leave cancelled for officials; satellite phones provided for communication backup in affected districts.
Odisha
Red alerts in eight districts; mass evacuations and barring of fishing boats underway.
Tamil Nadu/Puducherry
வடகிழக்கு பருவமழை முன்னெச்சரிக்கை நடவடிக்கைகள். #tnsdma #CMMKStalin pic.twitter.com/hyEIBVFJcf
— TNSDMA (@tnsdma) October 27, 2025
The IMD issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts including Chennai region, expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Gujarat & Western Region
Though outside the direct landfall zone, western districts of Gujarat are under a watch-and-warn mode for heavy rainfall & thunderstorms.
Key Advisory for Public
- Avoid coastal, low-lying or river-bank areas; heed early evacuation orders.
- Stay indoors during gales; secure loose objects, avoid travel in affected zones.
- Fishermen must not venture into sea; shipping and port operations may be suspended.
- Secure power backups, charge mobile phones; maintain emergency kits with water, medicines and torch.
- Follow advisories from local disaster-management authorities and control-rooms.
Looking Ahead
With the cyclone projected to make landfall late on Oct 28 and intensify further, the next 24–36 hours are critical. Officials are aiming for “zero casualty” — but large-scale disruption of transport, power and communications remains a real risk. The storm’s track and intensity will determine whether southern coastlines or western fringe regions will suffer secondary impacts such as flooding or thunderstorms.
Authorities urge citizens to treat this alert with utmost seriousness. The combined deployment of NDRF, SDRF, army, coast guard and civic agencies reflect the scale of this mobilisation. Staying vigilant, adhering to instructions and avoiding complacency can save lives.
