Cyclone Montha intensifies into severe cyclonic storm; IMD issues red alert for south Odisha coast

Cyclonic storm Montha over the west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest bulletin on Tuesday morning.  

The system is now moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph and is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, during the evening or night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm.

As of 5:30 a.m. today (October 28, 2025), Cyclone Montha was centered about 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 270 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 340 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 550 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha).

According to the IMD, the storm is likely to sustain wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph during landfall, potentially causing significant damage in coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining southern Odisha districts.

A ‘Red Message’ cyclone warning has been issued for the south Odisha coasts, with the IMD advising fishermen not to venture into the sea and coastal residents to remain indoors during the storm’s passage.

The Odisha government has placed disaster response teams and district administrations on high alert, particularly in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput, which may experience heavy rainfall and strong winds as the system moves inland.

Authorities in both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are closely monitoring the situation, with evacuation measures and emergency operations underway in vulnerable coastal areas.

Also Read: Cyclone Montha approaches Andhra coast, red alert issued for southern Odisha districts

Meteorologists have also warned of possible storm surge and localized flooding in low-lying regions and advised people to follow official updates and safety advisories issued by the IMD and state disaster management authorities.