NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI/AMARAVATI/AHMEDABAD, OCT 26
With Cyclone Montha brewing over the Bay of Bengal, southern and western coastal states have stepped up preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across six Tamil Nadu districts on Sunday, while Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat governments have activated disaster management protocols to ensure essential supplies and public safety.
UPDATED CHIEF AMOUNT OF RAINFALL pic.twitter.com/phkd24VPBd
— IMD-Tamilnadu Weather (@ChennaiRmc) October 26, 2025
According to the RMC, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram and Puducherry are expected to experience intense rainfall over the next 48 hours. The low-pressure system, currently over the central and eastern Bay of Bengal, is forecast to intensify further, moving northwestward towards the coast. “Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Tiruvallur, Chennai and Ranipet districts,” the RMC warned, adding that squally winds may reach 80–100 kmph over the Bay.
- Heavy rains lash Tamil Nadu; Andhra, Gujarat and Western India activate disaster plans
- Fishermen warned, relief teams on alert as low-pressure system strengthens over Bay of Bengal
- According to the RMC, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram and Puducherry are expected to experience intense rainfall over the next 48 hours
- The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has instructed district administrations in Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar to review flood preparedness, power backup arrangements, and coastal evacuation plans
Authorities have advised fishermen to stay ashore and coastal residents to remain vigilant, as the sea is likely to turn very rough. District administrations have activated emergency control rooms and placed disaster response teams on high alert. With the northeast monsoon active since October 16, Tamil Nadu has already recorded above-average rainfall, straining local drainage and flood management systems.
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In Andhra Pradesh, the government has finalised an action plan for pre-cyclone preparedness, focusing on relief and essential supply chains. Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar said that all coastal districts have completed stock positioning of Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities, fuel, and LPG. GPS exemptions have been granted for expedited food grain movement, and district collectors have been authorised to draw emergency provisions for relief shelters.
“Over 50,000 tarpaulins, sandbags and plastic sheets have been readied at Rythu Service Kendras (RSKs) for crop protection,” said Manohar, while directing oil marketing companies to maintain full fuel stocks to ensure uninterrupted power and communication during the cyclone.
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Meanwhile, western India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and coastal Konkan regions, is bracing for indirect weather impacts from the system. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Ahmedabad said the outer bands of the system could trigger scattered rainfall, gusty winds and rough sea conditions along the Saurashtra-Kutch coastline over the next few days.
The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has instructed district administrations in Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar to review flood preparedness, power backup arrangements, and coastal evacuation plans. Fishermen along the Gujarat coast have also been warned against venturing into the Arabian Sea due to high waves and unstable wind patterns.
With the cyclonic system likely to strengthen further over the next 24 hours, the IMD has said continuous monitoring is underway. Disaster management agencies across southern and western India have been placed on round-the-clock alert, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned units in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat for rapid deployment.
“Our goal is zero casualties and minimal disruption,” said a senior disaster management official. “Inter-state coordination and early warning systems are being fully leveraged to ensure a swift, unified response.”
As the system advances, weather authorities have urged citizens to follow official advisories, avoid venturing into low-lying areas, and keep emergency kits ready. Updates will continue as the cyclone’s track and intensity evolve.
