Mon Oct 27 01:36:31 UTC 2025: Cyclone Montha Prompts Evacuations, Alerts Across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu

Chennai, October 27, 2025 – Cyclone Montha, intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, has triggered widespread preparations and evacuations across several Indian states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts for 23 out of 26 districts in Andhra Pradesh, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Red alerts are in effect for SPSR Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and Kakinada.

Coastal communities are being evacuated, with approximately 10,000 people moved to shelters in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district alone. The APSDMA has warned of strong winds gusting up to 110 kmph along the coast. Beaches are closed in several districts.

The IMD anticipates Montha will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning, October 28th. It’s currently located approximately 560 km east-southeast of Chennai.

Neighboring states are also bracing for impact. Odisha has begun evacuating vulnerable populations and deployed disaster response teams in anticipation of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Heavy rainfall is predicted for Telangana. A yellow alert has been issued for 11 districts in Karnataka, forecasting heavy rainfall. Tamil Nadu is also expected to experience heavy rainfall, with an orange alert in place for several northern districts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is coordinating with officials to ensure preparedness, reminiscent of the lessons learned from Cyclone Hudhud in 2014, which caused significant devastation in Visakhapatnam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered support. Essential commodities are being stocked in anticipation of potential shortages.

Schools and colleges have declared holidays across several districts in Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. Farmers are particularly concerned as harvest season approaches, leaving crops vulnerable to damage. Medical facilities are preparing for potential health emergencies, following updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

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