Cyclone Montha Roars Toward Andhra Coast; Thousands Evacuated Amid Flooding, Power Cuts
Severe storm nears Andhra coast, forcing thousands from homes.
Cyclone Montha rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday, October 27, 2025, prompting urgent evacuations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha ahead of landfall near Kakinada. The India Meteorological Department forecasts the system to cross between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on Tuesday evening or night with winds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. A one-meter storm surge threatens low-lying areas, while heavy rains have already triggered flooding and power outages across coastal districts.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered full-scale evacuations from vulnerable zones, relocating nearly 10,000 people in Kakinada and Konaseema to 118 rehabilitation centers. Among them, 126 pregnant women were shifted to hospitals for safety. Nine SDRF and seven NDRF teams are deployed, with fishermen securing boats inland amid sea waves reaching 4.7 meters. Naidu monitored operations from the Real-Time Governance War Room, stressing zero-casualty goals.
Odisha activated disaster protocols across 30 districts, with eight southern regions under red alert. Over 3,000 residents from low-lying and hilly areas have been moved to shelters, supported by 128 response teams. While the core impact will miss most of the state, heavy rainfall risks landslides and flash floods. Ports raised cautionary signals, and fishermen are barred from the sea until October 29.
Also Read: Cyclone Montha to Bring Heavy Rain to West Bengal, IMD Issues Warnings
Transportation disruptions escalated as East Coast Railway canceled 32 trains in the Waltair division, diverting others to avoid waterlogged tracks. Schools and colleges in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry remain closed through October 30. Flights at Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar airports face delays, and fallen trees have blocked roads in preliminary hit zones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured full central support, including additional NDRF units and satellite monitoring. Named “Montha” by Thailand, the storm underscores the Bay of Bengal’s post-monsoon fury. Authorities urge residents to follow IMD alerts, avoid flooded areas, and prepare for extended power cuts as the cyclone weakens post-landfall but leaves widespread damage.
Also Read: Odisha on High Alert as Cyclone Montha Nears: Mass Evacuations, Red Warnings Issued
