Cyclone Montha: Severe Storm to Make Landfall Near Kakinada with 100 kmph Winds | Latest Updates

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New Delhi:

Cyclonic storm "Montha" is advancing steadily towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is anticipated to make landfall near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on Tuesday evening.

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Cyclone Montha is forecast to strike Andhra Pradesh with maximum wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, placing the entire coastal region on high alert.

In an update at approximately 9:30 am today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Montha over the westcentral Bay of Bengal moved north to northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph during the past six hours and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.

It is expected to continue its north-northwestward trajectory and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during Tuesday evening and night as a severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph, according to the weather agency.

After making landfall on the Andhra coast, Cyclone Montha will decelerate somewhat and move towards Odisha, Dr M Mohapatra, Director General of the IMD, informed NDTV.

Mohapatra also indicated that Andhra Pradesh will be the "most affected," followed by Odisha and then Chhattisgarh. "Heavy rainfall will continue in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu between October 28 and 30," he stated.

South Central Railway and East Coast Railway have announced the cancellation of over 100 trains for the next two days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu via telephone and assured him of every possible support for the state.

The government has deployed 22 teams from the National Disaster Response Force across all five states likely to be affected -- Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh.

Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors. People in coastal areas have been instructed to relocate to relief camps. With rough sea conditions and the possibility of high tidal waves, fishermen have been advised against venturing out to sea. All beaches have been closed to tourists.

The Odisha government, meanwhile, has evacuated people from vulnerable locations. Eight southern districts under "red alert" are experiencing light rainfall. All districts have been placed on alert in case the cyclone changes its trajectory.