Cyclone Montha to bring heavy rain, red warning for 8 Odisha districts

Although Odisha will not face the direct impact of the eye of Cyclone Montha, the state is expected to experience its significant effects, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds forecast over the next few days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the impact of Cyclone Montha will begin to be felt from October 28, with very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall predicted on October 28 and 29.

The IMD has issued a Red Warning for Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Ganjam districts on October 28, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An Orange Alert has been sounded for Nayagarh, Khordha, and Puri, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain.

Also Read: Cyclone ‘Montha’ threat: Odisha govt on high alert as Deep Depression forms over Bay of Bengal

On October 29, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Rayagada will continue under Red Warning, while Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada, and Bolangir have been placed on alert for heavy rainfall.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 60–70 kmph in southern Odisha, and 50–70 kmph in Puri, Khordha, and Kandhamal districts. The IMD has warned that strong winds and torrential rain may cause damage to kutcha houses, uproot trees, and disrupt power and communication lines. Significant crop losses, particularly to paddy and vegetable cultivation, are also anticipated.

The sea will remain very rough under the cyclone’s influence. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 26 onwards, and those already at sea have been urged to return to the coast by October 26.