In News:

• Cyclone Montha, a tropical cyclonic system that formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal in late October 2025, has emerged as one of the most significant weather events of the year for India’s eastern coastal states.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued high-level warnings for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and coastal Telangana as the system intensifies and advances toward landfall.

Formation and Meteorological Characteristics

• Cyclone Montha originated from a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around 24 October 2025.
• Under favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions—warm sea surface temperatures above 28°C, high moisture availability, and low vertical wind shear—the system progressed from a depression to a deep depression by 26 October and further strengthened into a cyclonic storm. The IMD projected that it could intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) before landfall.
• As of 27 October 2025, the storm was positioned approximately 350 km southeast of Kakinada, moving in a north-northwest direction at nearly 14 km/h.
• The IMD forecast predicted landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the evening or night of 28 October. Wind speed estimates indicated gusts reaching 110 km/h, accompanied by “very rough to high” sea conditions and potential storm surge up to 1 metre.

Naming Mechanism and Regional Cyclone Governance

• “Montha” is a name contributed by Thailand to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
• Cyclone naming in the North Indian Ocean is overseen by a 13-member regional committee comprising India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Oman, Yemen, Qatar, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
• Each country submits suggested names, which are then assigned sequentially to future cyclones. This system enhances communication, public awareness, and clarity during simultaneous storm events.

Geographical Spread and Affected Regions

• While Andhra Pradesh remains the primary zone of impact—especially districts such as Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore—its effects range wider. Odisha has alerted 30 districts, Tamil Nadu has issued orange and yellow alerts for coastal belts, and Telangana is preparing for secondary rainfall impacts.
• Rayalaseema is also vulnerable due to the forecast of extremely heavy rainfall (>210 mm in 24 hours), increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. Fisherfolk in all three major maritime states—Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—have been advised against venturing into the sea due to high waves and strong winds.

Expected Impacts

• Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rainfall: Isolated areas in coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha may witness rainfall ≥21 cm in 24 hours, leading to flooding of rivers, drains, and agricultural fields.
• Strong Winds: Sustained winds of 90–100 km/h and gusts up to 110 km/h can uproot trees, damage kutcha houses, and disrupt electricity and telecom infrastructure.
• Storm Surge: Low-lying coastal pockets face inundation risks due to a possible storm surge of around 1 metre above the astronomical tide.
• Marine Hazards: Fishing vessels have been anchored, with over 900 boats already guided ashore. High swell waves and turbulent sea conditions threaten coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.
• Extended Weather Effects: Secondary effects may be felt in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and even parts of West Bengal through rainfall, thunderstorms, and transportation disruptions.

Government Response and Preparedness Measures

State and central agencies have activated a coordinated disaster-response framework. Key measures include:

• Activation of emergency control rooms and pre-deployment of NDRF, SDRF, Coast Guard, and Army teams.
• Closure of schools in high-risk districts until 31 October.
• Stockpiling of essential commodities and readying PDS distribution systems.
• Evacuation of vulnerable populations including pregnant women and residents of low-lying areas.
• Temporary shelters being prepared with sanitation and food facilities.
• Suspension of fishing activities along the entire east coast stretch under threat.
• Continuous IMD bulletins issued for public safety instructions.

Inter-state cooperation has been emphasised, particularly between Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, to strengthen response logistics.