The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert as Cyclone Montha, developing over the Bay of Bengal, is rapidly intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm. The weather system, currently a deep depression, is expected to strengthen further and make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast on the evening or night of October 28, authorities warned. The storm is projected to bring winds up to 110 kmph and widespread heavy rainfall across coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

According to IMD’s latest bulletin, the system will evolve into a cyclone by Monday morning and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, with Kakinada likely to experience the brunt of the landfall. Residents have been advised to brace for extremely heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and strong gusty winds beginning October 27. Fishermen have been warned to avoid venturing into the sea due to rough conditions that could intensify in the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, a separate depression over the east-central Arabian Sea is moving north-northwestward and may bring heavy rain to Goa, Konkan, Gujarat, and Kerala. As of Saturday morning, the system was located roughly 400 km from Mumbai and 380 km from Panjim, moving at a speed of 12 kmph. This simultaneous weather activity across both coasts has prompted high alert from disaster management agencies, which are coordinating preparedness measures.

Also Read: Karnataka Fires Back as Andhra Courts Disgruntled Bengaluru Tech Firms

The IMD’s forecast also indicates that the Bay of Bengal depression, currently about 950 km from Chennai and 970 km from Kakinada, will become a deep depression by October 26, a cyclonic storm by October 27, and a severe cyclonic storm by October 28 morning. Authorities are monitoring the cyclone closely as it approaches land, urging residents in low-lying areas to stay vigilant and follow official advisories to minimize the impact of Cyclone Montha’s expected landfall.

Also Read: Double Suicide in Arunachal Amid Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Threats