APSDMA said strong gales blowing at a maximum speed of 90-110 km per hour are expected at the time of the cyclone crossing the coast.
Published Oct 28, 2025 | 7:01 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 28, 2025 | 7:25 AM
Satellite view of Cyclone Montha on 28 October morning. (IMD)
Synopsis: Cyclone Montha, moving in a north-northwest direction, is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone soon, with the possibility of crossing the coast between Machilipatnam and Kakinada by Tuesday night. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected on Tuesday from Srikakulam to Nellore.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said on Tuesday, 28 October, that Cyclone Montha, moving in a north-northwest direction, is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone soon, with the possibility of crossing the coast between Machilipatnam and Kakinada by Tuesday night.
The cyclone, located in the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal, moved north-northwest at a speed of 15 km per hour since midnight Monday, according to APSDMA.
It is currently centred 280 km from Machilipatnam, 360 km from Kakinada, and 410 km from Visakhapatnam. APSDMA said strong gales blowing at a maximum speed of 90-110 km per hour are expected at the time of the cyclone crossing the coast.
On Monday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with district collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), and other officials regarding the cyclone. He instructed that the entire government machinery should work with dedication to effectively tackle it, and that no trace of fatigue should be seen in human efforts.
According to the APSDMA, extremely heavy rainfall is expected on Tuesday from Srikakulam to Nellore due to Cyclone Montha. The agency has warned people not to venture outside under any circumstances.
In case of an emergency, they are advised to contact the emergency helpline numbers (112 | 1070 | 1800 425 0101). A 24×7 RTGS war-room is coordinating evacuations, rescue and restoration.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that extremely heavy rainfall is occurring in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Nellore, Konaseema and Kakinada districts
It was reported that 125mm of rainfall was recorded in Kapuluppada, 120mm in Visakhapatnam Rural, and 117mm in Anandapuram. Heavy rains were recorded in 95 areas.
The chief minister said that the state government has been assessing the impact of the cyclone on an hourly basis. “We are fully prepared to face any situation. I have instructed officials to take preemptive protective measures to prevent loss of life and property due to the cyclone after reviewing the situation. We are continuously providing accurate information to the public to keep them alert,” he said.
Meanwhile, several trains and flights to and from Visakhapatnam have been cancelled in the wake of the cyclone.
The government initiated measures to relocate people from coastal areas to rehabilitation centres, along with the deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams.
“We have kept teams equipped with machinery ready to restore electricity supply, repair roads, rehabilitate drainage systems, and remove fallen trees,: he added.
He further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi inquired about the situation in the state due to the cyclone’s impact and assured assistance and support to the state.
According to the state government, about 40 lakh people in 19 districts are in the vulnerable zone.
Evacuations are underway in 1,238 vulnerable villages since Monday; 1,906 relief camps are readied. Minister Nara Lokesh said special focus has been given to 3,465 pregnant/lactating mothers for safe hospital care.
Holidays have been announced for 14,798 schools, and 364 schools have been readied as cyclone shelters. The state government has also suspended all fishing/boating/beach access till 29 October. Lokesh said 11 NDRF and 12 SDRF teams, along with fire, boat and wood-cutting teams, were mobilised with life jackets/buoys.
Meanwhile, the Chennai district administration in neighbouring Tamil Nadu announced a leave for all schools on Tuesday in the wake of Cyclone Montha.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
