Cyclone Montha Triggers Evacuations And Travel Disruptions Across Andhra And Odisha

Image Source : Curly Tales

Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, prompting mass evacuations and widespread cancellations of trains and flights across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Authorities have issued red alerts and activated disaster protocols as the storm nears landfall near Kakinada.

Cyclone Montha is rapidly approaching the eastern coast of India, with the India Meteorological Department confirming its intensification into a severe cyclonic storm early Tuesday. The system is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by Tuesday evening or night, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph. Both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have placed coastal districts on high alert and initiated large-scale evacuations.

Key highlights

- The cyclone is currently centered 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam and 270 km from Kakinada

- Red alerts have been issued for 16 districts in Andhra Pradesh and multiple coastal zones in Odisha

- Thousands of residents have been relocated to rehabilitation centers as a precautionary measure

- Odisha Tourism has advised travelers to postpone coastal visits until October 31

- Train and flight services have been suspended in several affected regions due to safety concerns

- Fishermen have been instructed to stay ashore amid warnings of rough to high sea conditions

Notable updates

- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held emergency meetings and directed district officials to ensure readiness

- Heavy rainfall and strong winds have already begun impacting coastal Andhra and parts of Odisha

- Chennai and coastal Tamil Nadu are also bracing for heavy showers and wind activity

- Relief teams and emergency supplies have been mobilized across vulnerable zones

Why it matters

Cyclone Montha’s trajectory and intensity pose serious risks to life, infrastructure, and transport networks. The coordinated response from state governments and central agencies reflects growing preparedness for extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate shifts in the region.

Sources: The Hindu, NDTV, Moneycontrol, India Today, New Indian Express

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