Cyclone Montha 2025: Heavy Rainfall Alert in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan

Rekha choudhary

3 months ago

Overview

The Indian subcontinent is once again bracing for a powerful storm (Cyclone Montha). On 27 October 2025, a deep depression over the southeastern Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic system named Cyclone Montha. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is gradually strengthening and moving northwestwards at a speed of nearly 8 km per hour. As it advances, multiple Indian states are expected to witness heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms over the coming days.

The cyclone derives its name “Montha” from Thailand, meaning “fragrant flower” or “beautiful flower” in the Thai language. Despite its gentle name, Montha is shaping up to be one of the most significant weather events of this post-monsoon season.

Cyclone Path and Predicted Landfall

As per IMD forecasts, Cyclone Montha is expected to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Kakinada and Machilipatnam on the evening or night of 28 October.

The cyclone is likely to bring wind speeds of 90–100 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 110 km/h near the landfall point. Over the open sea, wind speeds could be even higher, making navigation extremely risky for fishing and shipping operations.

After landfall, the storm is expected to weaken gradually as it moves inland, but its impact will extend far beyond the coastline—covering states like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and even parts of Delhi-NCR.

Regions Under Alert

IMD has issued red and orange alerts for several states across India:

Andhra Pradesh & Odisha: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in coastal districts. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until the system weakens. Schools in several districts have been closed till 31 October as a precautionary measure.
Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Moderate rainfall and gusty winds are expected, particularly in the northern coastal districts.
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: These northern states may experience light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers between 27 and 29 October. This sudden change will also bring a noticeable drop in temperature.
Delhi-NCR: A spell of light rain is predicted, which may mark the onset of early winter in the region.
Gujarat (Saurashtra & Kutch): Isolated heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported as Montha’s outer bands influence western India.

Expected Impact of Cyclone Montha

Heavy Rainfall:
Continuous and intense downpours are expected across large parts of South and East India. Some areas may record rainfall exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours, leading to flooding and waterlogging in low-lying regions.
Strong Winds:
Coastal and nearby inland regions will experience strong gusts, capable of uprooting trees, damaging power lines, and disrupting transport networks.
Storm Surge:
Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh could see storm surges of 1–2 meters, which may inundate low-lying coastal areas. Residents have been advised to move to safer locations well in advance.
Agricultural Damage:
Farmers have been asked to suspend harvesting activities, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan, as standing crops could be damaged by excessive moisture and strong winds.
Transportation and Power Disruptions:
Rail and road traffic in several coastal and adjoining areas may be affected due to waterlogging and fallen trees. Temporary power outages are also possible.

Government Preparations and Safety Measures

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local disaster management teams have been deployed across vulnerable coastal regions. Thousands of residents are being evacuated from low-lying villages to safer shelters.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to review the preparedness and assured full central support for relief and rescue operations.

Authorities have advised residents to:

Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain.
Keep emergency kits ready, including drinking water, batteries, and first aid.
Follow official updates from IMD, local administration, and radio announcements.
Move livestock and essential belongings to higher ground.
Farmers are requested to cover their harvested crops with tarpaulins or plastic sheets to minimize damage.

Weather Outlook for Northern and Western India

As Cyclone Montha moves inland, its remnants are expected to trigger widespread rainfall in central and northern India.

In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, several districts may experience moderate to heavy rain, along with thunderstorms and lightning.
Rajasthan’s southern and eastern regions, including Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bharatpur, are under an alert for heavy showers and gusty winds from 27 to 29 October.
The rain in Delhi-NCR will likely be light but significant enough to clear pollution and bring a refreshing drop in temperature.

This widespread precipitation could also benefit soil moisture levels ahead of the Rabi crop season, although excessive rainfall may temporarily disrupt fieldwork.

Why Cyclone Montha Matters

Cyclone Montha is not only a regional weather event but also part of a larger trend of increasing cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal. Rising sea surface temperatures and shifting monsoon patterns are fueling more intense storms during the post-monsoon months.
Such events highlight the need for stronger early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and community-based disaster preparedness.

Precautions for Citizens

Do not venture out during heavy rain or strong winds.
Charge mobile phones and keep power banks ready.
Avoid coastal travel and fishing until the IMD withdraws the alert.
Stay updated via official IMD bulletins and state government advisories.
Stock essential supplies for at least two days in cyclone-prone regions.

Recovery After the Storm

Once the cyclone weakens and moves further inland, authorities will focus on restoring electricity, water supply, and communication lines.
Agricultural teams will assess crop damage, and relief packages are expected for affected farmers.
Citizens are urged not to enter flooded zones until the water recedes and to maintain hygiene to prevent water-borne diseases.

FAQs on Cyclone Montha 2025

Q1. When and where will Cyclone Montha make landfall?
Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall between Kakinada and Machilipatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast on the evening or night of 28 October 2025.

Q2. What is the expected wind speed of the cyclone?
Winds may reach 90–100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h, particularly near the landfall zone.

Q3. Which states will be most affected?
The primary impact will be on Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, while Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi-NCR will witness moderate effects such as rainfall and gusty winds.

Q4. What precautions should farmers take?
Farmers should suspend harvesting, cover standing crops, and secure livestock in safe shelters to minimize losses.

Q5. What does the name “Montha” mean?
The name Montha was suggested by Thailand, meaning “beautiful” or “fragrant flower” in Thai.

Conclusion

Cyclone Montha serves as a strong reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability. While it brings much-needed rain to drought-prone regions, it also poses a significant threat to life and property. As the system approaches India’s east coast, citizens are urged to stay vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and follow safety advisories.

Preparedness and timely action can go a long way in minimizing the cyclone’s impact and ensuring everyone’s safety.

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