A significant low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has developed into Cyclone Montha, prompting extensive readiness efforts in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone, located over the southwest and adjacent southeast Bay of Bengal, has moved northwest at a speed of 15 kmph over the last six hours. As of 5:30 am on October 27, it was positioned around latitude 12.2°N and longitude 85.3°E, approximately 560 km east-southeast of Chennai, 620 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 650 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 790 km south of Gopalpur, and 810 km west of Port Blair.
IMD’s latest update indicates that Cyclone Montha will maintain its northwestward trajectory over the Bay of Bengal for the next 12 hours, gaining strength before veering north-northwest towards the Andhra coast. Expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28, the cyclone will bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough to very rough sea conditions along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
In Andhra Pradesh, the state government has rolled out a comprehensive action plan for cyclone preparedness, encompassing relief operations, supplies management, and emergency response. The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is forecasted to cross the state’s coast near Kakinada on October 28 evening. Currently, it is situated approximately 780 km east-southeast of Chennai, 830 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, and 930 km south-southeast of Gopalpur.
The preparedness plan includes stocking Public Distribution System (PDS) essentials, managing fuel reserves, facilitating paddy procurement, and ensuring food supply in relief centers. Adequate stocks have been placed at Mandal Level Stock Points, with 40% of stock movement completed in coastal districts. District collectors and oil marketing companies have been instructed to maintain full supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG for essential services like telecom towers, hospitals, and cyclone shelters.
Paddy procurement centers will operate early to assist farmers, and provisions have been made for over 50,000 items including tarpaulins, ropes, and sandbags for crop protection. Essential commodities for cyclone shelters have been pre-positioned, with district collectors authorized to access relief stocks as needed.
Authorities have cautioned residents and fishermen against venturing out due to anticipated heavy rainfall. Coastal areas like Rishikonda and Sagar Nagar beaches in Visakhapatnam have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The district administration is on high alert, with evacuation plans in place for vulnerable coastal communities and deployment of NDRF teams for emergency response.
In Odisha, the state government has initiated evacuation procedures for residents in vulnerable areas as Cyclone Montha heads towards landfall. Disaster response teams have been mobilized across eight southern districts, aiming for zero casualties amidst predictions of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
More than 5,000 trained personnel, including ODRAF and NDRF teams, have been deployed to handle the situation. The IMD has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds, with preparations underway to ensure safety and minimize damage.
West Bengal is also gearing up for heavy rainfall as Cyclone Montha intensifies, with forecasts indicating potential impacts on southern districts followed by northern regions. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea, and precautions are being taken to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
The cyclone is expected to bring adverse weather conditions to the region, prompting authorities to declare holidays for educational institutions and implement emergency protocols. Vigilance and readiness are emphasized to respond effectively to any emergencies that may arise.
– Ends