Odisha’s Laxmipur bears the brunt as Cyclone ‘Montha’ unleashes heavy rain, wind gusts

The impact of Cyclone ‘Montha’ has started to be felt in Koraput district, particularly in the Laxmipur region bordering Andhra Pradesh, where heavy rain and strong winds have continued since early Sunday morning.

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

According to local reports, dark clouds enveloped the sky before torrential rain began lashing the area, accompanied by gusty winds that have persisted for several hours. The combination of relentless rain and powerful wind has triggered fears of crop damage and infrastructure loss in low-lying areas of Laxmipur and nearby villages.

Authorities have advised residents to remain on high alert, warning that weather conditions may intensify as the cyclone strengthens. Precautionary measures are being taken, with officials closely monitoring the situation.

Earlier in the day, awareness campaigns were conducted in parts of Ganjam and southern Odisha, where officials used public announcement systems to caution people against venturing outdoors during the severe weather.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Cyclone Montha is rapidly gaining strength over the Bay of Bengal, with dense cloud bands intensifying around its centre. The system, located about 970 km southeast of Gopalpur and 890 km from Kakinada, is expected to intensify into a deep depression and further into a cyclonic storm by Monday.

“It is likely to turn into a severe cyclonic storm by October 27 and cross the coastal belt between Machilipatnam, Kalingapatnam, and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh,” said IMD scientist Dharam Raju, adding that fishermen and coastal residents have been warned to stay away from the sea due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

In Koraput’s Laxmipur, where the cyclone’s outer bands have already arrived, people are bracing for a long night of rain, wind, and uncertainty.

Reported By: Giridhar Khara