Cyclone Montha update: Deep depression forms over BoB, to intensify into cyclonic storm in 24 hours

The depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.  The system, which has been moving northwestward at a speed of about 10 kmph over the past six hours, is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ in the next 24 hours.

According to the IMD, the deep depression is currently centered about 950 km southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 840 km from Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh). The system is expected to strengthen further and become a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28, as it moves northwestward over the west-central Bay of Bengal.

As per the previous forecast, Cyclone Montha is likely to make landfall between Kakinada and Machilipatnam along the Andhra Pradesh coast, close to Kalingapatnam, between the evening and midnight of October 28.

At the time of landfall, wind speeds are expected to reach 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, which could cause damage to kutcha houses, trees, and power lines in coastal and adjoining districts.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been advised to remain on high alert, as the system is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, squally winds, and rough sea conditions along the coast. 

Fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea, as conditions over the central and north Bay of Bengal are expected to turn very rough to high in the next few days.

Also Read: Cyclone Montha gaining strength over Bay of Bengal, Andhra and Odisha coasts put on alert

Red And Orange Alert Issued For Odisha Districts

A red warning has been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts on October 28, where extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely. An orange alert has been issued for Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, and Puri districts for heavy to very heavy rainfall.

On October 29, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Rayagada will continue to remain under the red warning category, while Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Boudh, Nuapada, and Balangir are placed under the orange alert for intense rainfall activity.