Cyclonic Storm 'Montha' over the southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal was reported by IMD on October 27, 2025. At 0830 IST, it was centred about 570 km south-southeast of Kakinada and was moving north-northwestwards at 18 kmph. IMD forecast that it would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. The cyclone warning was for Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and adjoining south Odisha coasts; IMD also issued heavy-rain, wind and fishermen warnings for parts of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal coasts.
Cyclone Montha Forms in Bay of Bengal — IMD Issues Orange Alert for Andhra, Odisha Coasts
Cyclonic Storm 'Montha' over the southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal was reported by IMD on October 27, 2025. At 0830 IST, it was centred about 570 km south-southeast of Kakinada and was moving north-northwestwards at 18 kmph. IMD forecast that it would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. The cyclone warning was for Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and adjoining south Odisha coasts; IMD also issued heavy-rain, wind and fishermen warnings for parts of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal coasts.
Key facts
- Cyclonic Storm Montha was reported over the southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal on October 27, 2025.
- At 0830 IST it was about 570 km south-southeast of Kakinada and moving north-northwestwards at 18 kmph.
- IMD forecast landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28.
- Expected landfall intensity was 90-100 kmph sustained wind, gusting to 110 kmph.
- The cyclone warning covered Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and adjoining south Odisha coasts; fishing operations were to be suspended in the warned sea areas.
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Source: The Logical Indian / News Today / IMD
Frequently asked questions
What is a cyclone and how does a deep depression intensify into a cyclonic storm?
A cyclone is a large-scale low-pressure weather system with inward spiralling winds. A deep depression intensifies into a cyclonic storm when sustained wind speeds exceed 63 km/h. The process is driven by warm sea surface temperatures (above 26°C), moisture, and atmospheric instability — conditions typically present in the Bay of Bengal during the October–November post-monsoon season.
What is IMD's alert colour code system and what does an Orange Alert signify?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a four-colour alert system: Green (no action), Yellow (watch), Orange (be prepared), and Red (take action). An Orange Alert for Cyclone Montha signified that severe weather was imminent, requiring preparation such as evacuations, fishing bans, and pre-positioning of NDRF teams.
What are NDRF and SDRF and what was their role during Cyclone Montha?
The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) is a central paramilitary force under MHA for disaster response, while SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) is the state-level counterpart. During Cyclone Montha, over 24,000 NDRF/SDRF personnel were deployed for rescue and relief operations, and 215+ relief camps were established along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.
Why is the Bay of Bengal particularly prone to cyclones?
The Bay of Bengal is more cyclone-prone than the Arabian Sea due to its warm sea surface temperatures, shallow coastal geometry, high moisture content, and the lack of strong land masses to weaken storms. Low-pressure systems that form in the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons frequently intensify into cyclones before making landfall on India's east coast.
What is the significance of naming cyclones and who names cyclones in the Bay of Bengal region?
Naming cyclones helps public communication, disaster preparedness, and historical tracking of storms. In the Bay of Bengal and North Indian Ocean, cyclones are named by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) at IMD, New Delhi, under a protocol agreed upon by 13 WMO member countries including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
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