Cyclone Montha is rapidly intensifying over the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal, charting a direct course toward India’s vulnerable east coast. Meteorologists warn that the system is poised to escalate into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, with landfall expected in the vicinity of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, sometime between the evening of October 28 and the early hours of October 29. The potential for destruction has prompted both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to elevate their alert levels and launch comprehensive emergency responses well in advance. Officials are mobilizing resources, deploying teams, and communicating widely to minimize casualties and property damage—an approach that reflects lessons learned from previous devastating storms.
As of Monday, October 27, Cyclone Montha was positioned over the south-western sector of the Bay of Bengal, gradually shifting north-eastward. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the Andhra coast, including Yanam and the southern districts of Odisha, signalling a high likelihood of severe weather events in the coming days.
The anticipated impact of Cyclone Montha is significant. Forecasters predict that winds could surge up to 110 kilo-meters per hour, strong enough to topple trees, snap power lines, and strip roofs from buildings. Rainfall is expected to be particularly intense, with projections of 20 to 30 centi-meters inundating several coastal and southern districts between October 28 and 30. This volume of rain, falling within such a short window, heightens the risk of flash flooding, river overflows, and landslides—especially in low-lying and hilly regions.
Vulnerable Areas in AP & Odisha
Certain areas face heightened vulnerability. In Andhra Pradesh, the districts of Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari are at greatest risk. Odisha’s red zone encompasses Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi—districts that have historically suffered during cyclonic events and are now bracing for another test.
On the ground, Andhra Pradesh has swung into action with a multi-pronged strategy centered on evacuation, shelter, and rapid response. More than 6,000 families are being relocated from vulnerable coastal stretches, including fragile settlements on Hope Island and villages with thatched roofs that stand little chance against cyclonic gusts. Over 600 communities have been earmarked for evacuation, and relief centers have been prepared to provide temporary accommodation, medical care, and basic necessities. Notably, the state is paying special attention to pregnant women close to their due dates, with over 428 already shifted to health centers equipped to handle deliveries even in storm conditions—a step that underscores the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable.
Logistical preparations are extensive. Each coastal district now has a Special Officer coordinating the response, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed and ready for swift intervention. The state has proactively stockpiled 3,000 new electric poles and positioned cranes and tree-cutting crews to expedite repairs to downed infrastructure. Schools across affected areas are closed for at least three days to keep children safe, and fishermen have been strictly ordered to remain ashore—a crucial precaution given the heightened risk of rough seas and storm surges. Supplies of essential goods, including government rations and fuel, have been pre-positioned at the local level to prevent shortages if transportation is disrupted.
Odisha, too, is taking robust measures to shield its population from the storm’s wrath. Eight southern districts are under Red Alert, marking them as high-risk areas. Authorities have mobilized 128 specialized teams drawn from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), NDRF, and Fire Services, ensuring that trained personnel and equipment are strategically stationed to respond to emergencies ranging from search and rescue to medical support. Recognizing the flood threat, the state’s Water Resources Department has begun controlled releases from key reservoirs, aiming to create buffer capacity and reduce the likelihood of dam breaches or uncontrolled flooding. Relief centers and cyclone shelters are open and stocked, and the government is closely monitoring supplies to prevent hoarding or black market activity, which can exacerbate crises in vulnerable communities.
Reasons for Naming Montha
The naming of Cyclone Montha is part of a broader international system designed to promote clarity in communication and disaster management. Each tropical cyclone in the region is named according to a rotating list managed by member countries and overseen by the World Meteorological Organization. The name ‘Montha,’ contributed by Thailand, translates to ‘churning’ or ‘milling,’ vividly evoking the violent, swirling action of a cyclone as it disrupts the natural order. The use of distinctive, easily pronounced, and culturally neutral names helps emergency services, the media, and the public track and discuss dangerous weather systems—an essential feature when multiple storms can arise simultaneously during the cyclone season.
History of Cyclones in Andhra
Andhra Pradesh’s extensive coastline, stretching over a thousand kilo-meters, has long been a magnet for cyclonic storms sweeping in from the Bay of Bengal. The state’s history is studded with tragic reminders of nature’s power. In 1977, the infamous Andhra Pradesh Cyclone devastated the Diviseema region, resulting in one of independent India’s deadliest natural disasters and leaving a legacy of loss that still shapes local memories and disaster planning.
The 1990 Super Cyclonic Storm BOB 02 brought unprecedented damage, with crop and property losses exceeding $600 million—a staggering figure for the time. Even when cyclones like Phailin in 2013 primarily struck neighbouring Odisha, Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district suffered severe secondary effects. More recently, Cyclone Hudhud in 2014 delivered a direct hit to Visakhapatnam, crippling urban infrastructure and plunging large areas into prolonged blackouts.
Each of these events has left a mark, prompting authorities to continually refine their preparedness and response strategies. Investments in early warning systems, improved evacuation protocols, and stronger shelters are all direct outcomes of past tragedies.
Today, as Cyclone Montha approaches, both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are applying those hard-earned lessons—demonstrating an evolving capacity to anticipate, withstand, and recover from the cyclones that remain an ever-present feature of life along the Bay of Bengal. The coordinated efforts unfolding now are a testament not only to technological advances in forecasting and disaster management but also to the resilience and adaptability of the communities that call this storm-battered coastline home.
Lessons from Titli & Hudhud
In 2018, Cyclone Titli swept through the Srikakulam district with devastating force, unleashing powerful winds and relentless floods that ravaged homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure. The aftermath left countless families struggling to rebuild their lives, highlighting the vulnerability of coastal communities in this region. Unfortunately, Srikakulam and other nearby areas are no strangers to such natural disasters. Time and again, cyclones and storms batter these shores, consistently exposing the fragility of both the local environment and the systems meant to protect it. Each event underscores the critical importance of not only repairing the damage but also investing in robust disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. The recurring nature of these calamities makes it clear that reactive measures are not enough; proactive planning and regular improvements are vital to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The ongoing response to Cyclone Montha, for example, demonstrates the urgent necessity of readiness. Authorities and residents alike are reminded that effective early warning systems, well-coordinated emergency services, and community education can make a significant difference in minimizing losses. As climate change intensifies weather patterns, the demand for comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies to protect these vulnerable coastal populations becomes ever more pressing.
