Overview
- The IMD says Montha has formed over the Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, and is forecast to cross the coast near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on Tuesday evening or night.
- Sustained winds of 90–100 kmph with gusts up to 110 kmph and a storm surge of about one metre above the astronomical tide are expected at landfall.
- Red and orange warnings cover most coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha and Tamil Nadu, with very rough to high seas expected October 28–30 and fishermen urged to stay ashore.
- Andhra Pradesh has moved residents from low‑lying areas to relief camps, shut schools, suspended fishing and beach activities, and deployed NDRF and SDRF teams with backup communications.
- Odisha has begun evacuations in eight southern districts and positioned ODRAF, NDRF and fire services, while Andhra ordered 20% extra PDS rice, full fuel stocks and medical readiness; the Army is on high alert with NDMA coordination.