Cyclone Montha is set to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28 evening, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm with winds up to 110 kmph

NEW DELHI: Cyclone Montha brewing over the Bay of Bengal is set to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on October 28 evening, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, bringing wind speeds up to 110 kmph and heavy rainfall across Andhra and south Odisha.Also read: Cyclone Montha live updates: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh on high alert; 8 districts mapped as ‘red zones’ in OdishaCyclone’s path and intensity As of early Monday, Montha lay centred about 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and 850 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha).According to IMD’s latest bulletin, the storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours before crossing the Andhra coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. Maximum sustained winds are expected to reach 90–100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph, with a storm surge of up to one metre above astronomical tides in low-lying coastal areas. “People in coastal Andhra and south Odisha are advised to stay indoors once the cyclone nears landfall. We expect heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29,” said S Jagannath Kumar, IMD scientist, Amaravati.Andhra Pradesh on high alert Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has placed the entire state administration on high alert, directing district collectors and SPs to ensure zero loss of life. Following a review meeting on Sunday, Naidu identified the Machilipatnam–Kakinada stretch as the most vulnerable zone and instructed departments to ensure seamless coordination in evacuation, relief, and restoration efforts. At least five districts — Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari — have swung into action, enforcing school closures, pre-positioning relief materials, and preparing cyclone shelters. In Kakinada, officials began moving residents from Hope Island to safer areas. All schools will remain closed from October 27 to 31 in anticipation of heavy rain and flooding. In Konaseema, collector R Mahesh Kumar ordered the closure of schools and said shelters had been arranged for over 6,000 residents in 34 coastal villages. Authorities have also shifted 428 pregnant women, who were due in the next 15 days, to health centres. NDRF teams and heavy earthmovers have been kept on standby for rescue operations. West Godavari authorities declared holidays for schools and colleges on October 27 and 28, and suspended all beach and resort activities. Officials have started relocating people from dilapidated buildings and low-lying areas to temporary relief camps.Odisha declares eight red-zone districts Neighbouring Odisha, though not directly in the path of landfall, is expected to face severe peripheral impact from Montha’s heavy rainfall bands. The state government has mapped eight southern districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal and Kalahandi—as red zones likely to face extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds. Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said the state had begun evacuating vulnerable populations from hilly and landslide-prone areas. “Our goal is zero casualty. We have already deployed 128 response teams, including ODRAF, NDRF, and 99 Fire Service units, across eight districts. Evacuations from risk zones will be completed by Monday evening,” he said. Odisha has also cancelled all government employee leaves, activated round-the-clock control rooms, and directed hospitals to ensure uninterrupted power supply.Fishing activity suspended, ports on alert Along the Odisha and Andhra coasts, fishing activity has come to a complete halt. Over 21,000 vessels, including 2,000 trawlers, have been anchored at fishing harbours and jetties in Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Paradip, and Kharinashi, following repeated warnings from the fisheries department. “Many boats returned to harbour on Sunday after we used loudspeakers to alert fishermen. Anyone venturing out will face strict action,” said Rabi Narayan Patnaik, joint director (marine), fisheries department. For the fishing communities, the cyclone adds to existing distress. “Continuous low pressure systems this season have already hit our earnings. Now Montha will keep us ashore again,” said Narayan Haldar, president, Odisha Matsyajibi Forum.Preparations in Andhra Pradesh: Relief, fuel, and connectivity The Andhra civil supplies department has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to ensure uninterrupted food, fuel, and essential supply chains during and after the cyclone. Minister N Manohar said Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities have been fully stocked at mandal-level points, while fuel stations in coastal districts have been directed to maintain 100% stock of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Telecom companies have been asked to set up generators to ensure mobile network continuity. Authorities have also granted GPS exemptions for emergency second-stage food grain movement across affected districts.Tourism and travel curbs In Gajapati, the district administration has ordered the closure of all major tourist spots and waterfalls, including Mahendragiri and Jirang monastery, to prevent accidents. Collector Madhumita said the district’s eight waterfalls and three tourist sites would remain closed until further notice. Government employees’ leaves have been cancelled, and officers have been appointed as nodal coordinators in each vulnerable block. “All cyclone shelters are functional, and control rooms are operating at panchayat level,” the collector said.‘Hudhud’ memories return for Vizag residents In Visakhapatnam, the approach of Cyclone Montha has revived memories of the 2014 Cyclone Hudhud, which devastated the city with losses estimated at Rs 21,000 crore. Residents, recalling the week-long power and communication blackout, are stocking food, fuel, and medicines. “We don’t want another Hudhud situation. Our apartment association has arranged diesel for generators and stored drinking water bottles,” said Krishna, a resident of MVP Colony.IMD’s advisory The IMD has warned of widespread rain across Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha from October 27 to 29, with wind speeds of 45–65 kmph even before the system makes landfall.