Cyclone Montha intensifies: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu on alert; schools shut, trains cancelled
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that a deep depression over the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ early Monday.
As of 2:30 am, the storm was centred about 600 km east-southeast of Chennai, 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada and 850 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha), moving west-northwest at a speed of 16 kmph.
According to the IMD, the system is expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by Tuesday morning (October 28) and is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, later that evening or night, packing winds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.
Heavy rainfall begins in Andhra Pradesh
Rainfall activity has already started in several parts of Andhra Pradesh since Sunday night.
— Prathipadu (Kakinada district) received 79.5 mm rainfall
— Kurrapalle (SPSR Nellore) recorded 64.5 mm, and
— Chinnachepalle (YSR Kadapa) saw 41.5 mm, according to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES).
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said that nine SDRF and seven NDRF teams have been deployed as extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Kakinada, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore districts.
Trains cancelled as precautionary measure
In view of Cyclone Montha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has cancelled several passenger and express trains scheduled between October 27 and 29.
Cancelled services include:
— 18515/18516 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Night Express
— 58501/58502 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger
— 58538/58537 Visakhapatnam–Koraput Passenger
— 67285/67286 Rajahmundry–Visakhapatnam–Rajahmundry MEMU
— 17267/17268 Kakinada–Visakhapatnam–Kakinada Express
— 22875/22876 Visakhapatnam–Guntur–Visakhapatnam Uday Express
— 67289/67290 Visakhapatnam–Palasa–Visakhapatnam MEMU
Long-distance trains originating from Visakhapatnam Junction have also been affected. Passengers have been advised to check updates on the official railway website or enquiry offices, said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager B. Pavan Kumar.
School closures across Andhra Pradesh
With Cyclone Montha approaching the coast, authorities in Andhra Pradesh have closed schools and colleges across coastal districts, including Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru and West Godavari.
Educational institutions in some districts will remain shut from October 27 to October 31. The IMD has issued red alerts for multiple areas between October 27 and 29, and the state government has activated emergency plans to ensure food, fuel and healthcare supplies remain uninterrupted.
Odisha on high alert; schools, anganwadis closed
Neighbouring Odisha has also sounded a high alert, especially in the southern districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal and Kalahandi, which are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Schools, anganwadi centres and colleges in vulnerable districts like Gajapati have been ordered to remain closed till October 30. The state government has deployed ODRAF, NDRF and fire service teams and initiated evacuation measures in low-lying areas.
Tamil Nadu braces for heavy rainfall
In Tamil Nadu, precautionary holidays have been declared for schools in Chennai and nearby coastal districts, as the cyclone’s outer bands are expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall and gusty winds between October 27 and 28.
Local authorities have warned residents in low-lying areas to stay alert for waterlogging and advised against non-essential travel during peak rainfall.
Government urges caution as cyclone nears landfall
With Cyclone Montha gaining strength, disaster management teams across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu have been placed on standby. The IMD continues to monitor the system closely, urging coastal residents to follow safety advisories and avoid venturing into the sea.
