Cyclone Montha, Location, Formation, Vulnerable Zones, Impact

Cyclone Montha is a cyclonic system forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal in late October 2025, which is expected to make landfall on the east coast of India. The storm is raising significant concern for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and parts of Tamil Nadu. As preparations intensify and weather alerts are issued, understanding its trajectory, potential impact and the response measures is critical.

Cyclone Montha

Cyclone Montha emerged from a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal on about 24 October 2025, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). By 26 October, it had intensified into a deep depression, with wind speeds rising to 80-100 km/h and the likelihood of developing into a severe cyclonic storm by 28 October. The IMD forecast it would make landfall near the coastal area between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, possibly on the evening or night of 28 October. Wind gusts may reach up to about 110 km/h, while sea conditions are labelled “very rough to high”, with storm-surge risk along low-lying zones.

Cyclone Montha Location

As of 27 October 2025, Cyclone Montha is located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 350 km southeast of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. It is moving in a north-northwest direction at nearly 14 km/h and is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada, by the evening of 28 October. Its influence extends to Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and coastal Telangana, bringing widespread rainfall and gusty winds to these regions.

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Cyclone Montha Formation

Cyclone Montha developed from a well-marked low-pressure area that formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal around 24 October 2025. The system gradually intensified into a deep depression by 26 October and further strengthened into a cyclonic storm under favourable conditions- warm sea surface temperatures above 28 °C, low vertical wind shear, and sufficient moisture inflow. IMD forecasts show the storm’s intensity could reach the Severe Cyclonic Storm category before landfall.

Cyclone Montha Naming

The name “Montha” was contributed by Thailand to the list of cyclones prepared by the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) regional committee. It means “a fragrant flower” or “beautiful flower” in Thai. Each member country in the region suggests cyclone names sequentially for future systems. This naming practice helps easy public identification, improves communication during warnings, and avoids confusion among multiple active storms in the same season.

Cyclone Montha Response Measures

Authorities are mobilising in full readiness to minimise loss of life and damage:

• The government of Andhra Pradesh has activated a detailed action plan: stock-piling essential supplies, positioning Public Distribution System (PDS) items, monitoring power and telecom, evacuating pregnant women and preparing temporary shelters.
• The IMD along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Coast Guard, Army and other agencies are on high alert; more than 900 fishing vessels have been shepherded ashore.
• Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh (including Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore) are under red alerts, while Tamil Nadu, Odisha and others are under orange/yellow alerts based on intensity forecasts.
• Schools in high-risk districts have been closed till 31 October to restrict movement and ensure safety.
• The public has been advised not to travel unnecessarily, fishing activities suspended, and constant updates issued via IMD bulletins and state disaster management cells.

Cyclone Montha Vulnerable Zones

The coastal region of Andhra Pradesh including the Godavari delta, interior Rayalaseema and adjoining districts are highly vulnerable due to:

• Dense population in low-lying areas prone to inundation
• Agricultural land and fishing communities that depend on sea/ coastal ecosystem
• Limited local infrastructure in remote mandals, making evacuation and relief logistics challenging
• Past storms indicate that even moderate cyclonic storms can trigger heavy rainfall and flash-floods in Rayalaseema (>210 mm in 24 hrs forecast) leading to landslips and distress.
• The fisheries sector is deeply affected: the weather advisory for fishermen and sea-return indicates the concern for livelihood, as 985 fishing boats have been guided to safety.
• In neighbouring states like Odisha, 30 districts have been alerted, emphasizing regional inter-state cooperation in disaster management.

Cyclone Montha Significance

Cyclone Montha is notable for the reasons listed below:

• It is the first major land-falling cyclone of 2025 on the Indian mainland after earlier systems moved away.
  The event underscores the need for improved early warning, community preparedness, and resilient coastal infrastructure as India faces increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change.
• It tests the implementation of the national disaster management framework – from central agencies (NDMA) to state/ district disaster committees – and indicates the increasing role of military and paramilitary readiness in natural disasters.
• It highlights the vulnerability of coastal ecology, agriculture and fisheries; and reminds of the importance of ecosystem-based adaptation and resilient infrastructure.

Cyclone Montha Impacts

The threat posed by Cyclone Montha is multi-dimensional. The Cyclone is expected to impact in below mentioned ways:

• Heavy rainfall: The IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rain (≥21 cm in 24 hrs) in isolated places, especially along coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha and nearby states.
• Strong winds: Sustained winds of 90-100 km/h with gusts up to 110 km/h are predicted during landfall, which could lead to uprooting of trees, damage to buildings and disruption of power/communication.
• Storm surge and coastal flooding: Low-lying coastal pockets around the landfall zone face the risk of storm-surge inundation of about 1 metre above astronomical tide, as per the IMD advisory.
• Marine hazards: Fishing communities are especially at risk; advisories have been issued to avoid venturing into the sea between 26 – 29 October off Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Odisha coastlines
• Wider weather effects: Rain and thunderstorms may also affect adjoining states such as Telangana, Chhattisgarh and parts of West Bengal, delaying relief and transportation.