Cyclone Montha: IMD closely tracking its trajectory, coastal area residents urged to remain alert

The severe cyclone Montha has weakened to a cyclonic storm after making landfall in Narasapur area and is currently moving over the Andhra Pradesh coast at a speed of 10 kmph, informed Bhubaneswar met centre director Manorama Mohanty on Wednesday.

Sharing updates about the system, Mohanty said that the system is likely to weaken further in the next six hours. The cyclone’s centre is currently situated about 20 km from Narsapur and 50 km from Machilipatnam, moving in a northwestern direction.

While the IMD is closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory using Doppler radar, residents in coastal areas have been advised to remain alert as strong winds and rainfall continue.

“Cyclone Montha now lies 460 km off southwest of Gopalpur. It will now move in a north-northwest direction and weaken to a deep depression within the next three hours, and further a depression after six hours. There is no major impact on Odisha under the influence of the system,” Mohanty said.

“One or two places in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Bhadrak districts may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. The wind speed in Malkangiri and Koraput will be around 45-55 kmph gusting up to 65 kmph, while in Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts it will be around 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph,” she added.
Sharing details about the landfall process and realised rainfall, Mohanty said, “The landfall began at around 7 pm on Tuesday and continued till 1 am. Mayurbhanj recorded 105 mm rainfall, followed by Balasore 98.3 mm, Khordha 98 mm and Chandbali 74.4 mm. Most places in Odisha will experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.”

On the other hand, though Cyclone Montha has weakened, its residual effects continue to bring heavy rainfall across Odisha. Balasore experienced intense downpours on Wednesday morning, accompanied by strong winds.

Also Read: Cyclone ‘Montha’ landfall complete, to weaken into depression by Oct 29 evening: IMD

The persistent rain has disrupted daily life, affecting transportation and other routine activities. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing outdoors unnecessarily. Meteorologists have warned that rainfall is likely to continue in several districts as the weakened cyclone slowly moves away.