Cyclone Montha’s remnants to trigger heavy downpour in Odisha, IMD issues multiple rain alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red warnings for five districts and orange alerts for four others as heavy rainfall continues across Odisha under the influence of Cyclone Montha and its remnants following the landfall process on Tuesday night.

The weather department issued a red alert covering Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, and predicted that extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm is likely in these districts.

An orange alert has been issued for Gajapati, Kandhamal, Balangir, and Nuapada, warning of heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas. The remaining 21 districts are under yellow warning, indicating the possibility of moderate rainfall and strong winds through the day.

Chandbali Sees Highest Rainfall

After the landfall process, Cyclone Montha’s outer rainbands continued to move northwards over the coastal and interior regions of Odisha, most of which witnessed significant precipitation late last night.

As per the latest IMD data, Chandbali in Bhadrak district recorded the highest rainfall of 51.7 mm, followed by Daringbadi in Kandhamal (51 mm), Jajpur (42.4 mm), Bhadrak (37 mm), and Koraput (36 mm).

Localised flooding and waterlogging were reported in low-lying regions of Malkangiri and Rayagada. Uprooted trees and minor landslides occurred in hilly stretches of Gajapati and southern Koraput, though no major damage or casualties have been reported so far.

ALSO READ: Severe cyclone Montha weakens into cyclonic storm over coastal Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Montha Weakens After Landfall

According to IMD’s assessment, Cyclone Montha made landfall late Tuesday night near Narasapur, south of Kakinada, along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. The landfall, which began around 11:30 pm and lasted until 4:30 am, saw wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

The storm brought intense rain and strong winds to Machilipatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Bapatla, and Nellore, accompanied by rough seas and high tidal waves breaching coastal embankments. After crossing the coast, Montha weakened and moved inland, sparing Odisha from severe damage but causing continuous rain in the state’s southern and western districts.