Severe Cyclone Montha begins landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds up to 110 km/h. IMD issues red alert; heavy rain, flash floods, and storm surges expected across coastal districts. Government suspends travel and activates relief operations.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha has begun making landfall near Kakinada on Tuesday night, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The landfall process, which started late in the evening, is expected to continue for the next three to four hours, bringing intense winds and torrential rain to large parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining regions.
Landfall and Wind Speeds
As per IMD’s latest bulletin, Montha is making landfall with maximum sustained winds between 90 and 110 kilometres per hour. The storm system is accompanied by heavy cloud bands and strong gusts, causing extensive rainfall along the coastal belts. The cyclone, which had intensified in the Bay of Bengal, is now interacting with land, leading to the most dangerous phase of its lifecycle.
Regions Facing the Brunt
The cyclone’s core impact is likely to be severe in the districts of Kakinada, Krishna, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and parts of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, including Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions.
In these areas, gusty winds have already uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and led to disruptions in local transport and communication networks.
Government Orders and Safety Measures
The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered the suspension of all vehicle movement across seven coastal districts from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have been directed to halt all traffic on roads, including national highways, except for emergency medical vehicles.
Authorities have appealed to residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing out during the peak landfall hours. “People must stay alert and follow official advisories,” said an IMD official, warning that the storm could cause flash floods and severe damage in low-lying coastal areas.
Emergency and Relief Operations
In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, the state government has identified 403 mandals across 22 districts likely to be affected.
A total of 488 control rooms have been set up at mandal headquarters to coordinate rescue and relief efforts.
Authorities have also established 1,204 relief camps, sheltering over 75,802 evacuees. Food, water, and essential supplies have been stocked, and disaster management teams are on standby to provide emergency assistance.
IMD Red Alert and Storm Surge Warning
The IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, cautioning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, south Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Meteorologists have also warned of a storm surge up to one metre above astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying coastal villages.
Widespread Rainfall and Damage Reports
Districts including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Nellore, Konaseema, and Kakinada have reported intense rainfall accompanied by powerful winds.
High tidal waves have already damaged the Uppada–Kakinada beach road, forcing authorities to close it to traffic. Visuals from Kakinada show waves crashing over sea walls and waterlogging in several coastal settlements.
Warnings for Fishermen and Coastal Activities
The IMD and the state’s fisheries department have banned fishing activities for the next five days.
All coastal operations have been suspended, and beaches have been closed to the public until further notice. Fishermen have been urged not to venture into the sea, as conditions remain extremely hazardous.
Port Signals and Cyclone Intensity
Ports across the region have hoisted great danger signals, marking the severity of the storm.
At Kakinada Port, the Great Danger Signal Number 10, the highest level of warning, has been raised.
Signal Number 9 is in place at Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kalingapatnam, and Bheemunipatnam, while Signal Number 8 has been issued for Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Vadarevu ports.
Officials said that once the landfall is complete, Montha will gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm and later into a deep depression as it moves inland toward Telangana and south Chhattisgarh.
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However, the residual effects—particularly heavy rainfall, flooding, and power disruptions—are likely to continue for the next 24–36 hours.
The IMD has assured continuous monitoring and frequent updates, urging citizens to rely only on official channels for verified information.
