Cyclone Montha: Indian Army, States on High Alert as Deep Depression Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
New Delhi, October 26, 2025: The Indian Army and several state governments across southern India have been placed on high alert as a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensifies and is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm — Cyclone ‘Montha’ — by October 28 (Tuesday). The storm, named by Thailand, is likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, bringing wind speeds up to 110 kmph and heavy rainfall across multiple states.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression is currently moving west-northwestwards and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 27 before further intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning.
IMD Issues Red Alerts for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana
The IMD has issued red alerts for Andhra Pradesh (Oct 27–29), Odisha (Oct 28–29), and Telangana and Chhattisgarh (Oct 28) as the system advances toward the coast. Tamil Nadu has been placed under an orange alert for October 27 and 28, while heavy rainfall warnings have been extended to Kerala, Puducherry, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the IMD stated:
“Red Alert for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh over the next three days. Deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into Cyclone Montha by October 28. Widespread heavy rainfall expected.”
The Bay of Bengal region, known for its frequent cyclone formations, is expected to experience very rough to high sea conditions from Sunday evening, worsening further through Tuesday as the storm approaches the coast.
Cyclone Montha’s Predicted Path and Intensity
The IMD bulletin indicates that Cyclone Montha is expected to move northwestwards, crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm during the evening or night of October 28. Wind speeds are likely to reach 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, potentially causing significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and coastal settlements.
Sea conditions will turn very rough to high over the southeast and east-central Bay from Sunday evening, and high to very high over the west-central and northwest Bay from Monday evening till early Wednesday morning.
The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea, while ports and coastal administrations in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha have been instructed to activate emergency protocols.
Another Depression Over Arabian Sea
Adding to weather concerns, another depression persists over the east-central Arabian Sea, moving southwestwards at around 13 kmph. As of Sunday morning, it was located approximately 760 km west-southwest of Mumbai, 790 km west of Goa, and 970 km west-northwest of Mangalore.
While this system is not expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, it will likely cause heavy rainfall in parts of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and coastal Karnataka through October 27.
The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall over the Konkan and Goa regions, with thunderstorms and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) continuing for the next few days.
Indian Army, NDMA, and States on Full Alert
The Indian Army confirmed that it has been placed on high operational alert to assist civil authorities and disaster management agencies in case of emergencies. Coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and respective state governments is ongoing.
“The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the NDMA and state governments,” an Army spokesperson told ANI, confirming that rescue and relief teams have been pre-positioned in vulnerable coastal districts.
Andhra Pradesh Prepares for Landfall
In response to the IMD forecast, the Andhra Pradesh government has activated a comprehensive action plan for Cyclone Montha preparedness. State Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar stated that the plan includes:
- Pre-positioning of Public Distribution System (PDS) stocks
- Fuel inventory management across districts
- Paddy procurement and storage measures
- Relief camp food and water supplies
- Post-cyclone distribution and restoration operations
“The government has prepared an action taken report ensuring full readiness before landfall,” Manohar said in a statement on Saturday evening.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast Across Southern and Central India
According to the IMD’s extended outlook, the following regions are expected to experience heavy rainfall between October 26–31:
- Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy to very heavy showers on Oct 27–28.
- Kerala & Mahe: Heavy to very heavy rainfall on Oct 27, likely to reduce thereafter.
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: Widespread rain from Oct 26–30, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall Oct 27–29.
- Chhattisgarh: Heavy to very heavy rainfall Oct 27–30, with extremely heavy rain on Oct 28.
- Madhya Pradesh (East & West): Isolated heavy rainfall Oct 26–30 with thunderstorms.
- Vidarbha: Heavy to very heavy rainfall Oct 28–30.
- Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal: Light to moderate rain Oct 29–31.
Who Named Cyclone Montha?
The name “Montha” was proposed by Thailand, derived from the Thai word meaning “beautiful flower” or “fragrant blossom.” The naming follows the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UN ESCAP’s Panel on Tropical Cyclones naming system for the North Indian Ocean.
Why It Matters
Cyclone Montha is the second major system of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, and its development highlights the increasing volatility of weather patterns in the region. For India, especially Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the storm poses potential risks to coastal infrastructure, agriculture, and power systems, emphasizing the importance of early preparedness and coordinated response.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
As Cyclone Montha approaches the Andhra coast, India’s preparedness will once again be tested. With the Army, IMD, and state authorities on alert, the nation’s focus is on minimizing damage and ensuring safety in vulnerable regions. The coming 48 hours will be crucial as the storm strengthens and nears landfall.
Residents in coastal areas are urged to stay indoors, follow official advisories, and avoid venturing into the sea. As always, preparedness remains India’s strongest shield against nature’s fury.