Cyclone Montha landfall begins, process to continue for 3-4 hours

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed in its evening hourly update that the landfall process of the Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha has commenced. The system is currently making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada.

The storm is classified as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 90 to 100 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 110 kilometres per hour.

Forecast

According to the latest IMD bulletin, the cyclone will continue moving north-northwestwards and complete landfall over the next 3–4 hours. During this period, coastal areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall, strong gale winds, and storm surges that could inundate low-lying regions.

Also Read: Cyclone Montha: Over 11,000 evacuated, extensive disaster response teams deployed in Odisha, says CM Majhi

Impact & Advisory

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable districts to remain indoors and avoid coastal areas until the storm fully crosses the coast. Disaster response teams are on high alert, with rescue and relief operations prepared to respond to any emergencies.

"The system is 460km away from Gopalpur. It is likely to move in the north and north-west direction and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada in the next three to four hours. During the period, the maximum windfall will be 90-100km per hour, gusting up to 110km per hour. The landfall process has already started, and it will be completed in the next three to four hours," said IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty.

"During the time of the landfall, there will also be heavy rain. Districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati in Odisha will have the maximum impact during the landfall process. These districts will experience heavy rainfall and wind speeds up to 60-70 km per hour," she added.