India Braces for Cyclone Montha’s Landfall and Widespread Heavy Rainfall
As of October 28, 2025, India is on high alert as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, poised to make landfall along the eastern coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings, prompting mass evacuations and school closures across multiple states.
Cyclone Montha’s Trajectory and Impact
Cyclone Montha is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by the evening or night of October 28. The storm is anticipated to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 90–100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h. Authorities have evacuated approximately 50,000 residents to relief camps in Andhra Pradesh, where up to 3.9 million people could be affected. Fishermen in neighboring Odisha have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea.
State-Specific Alerts and Preparations
In Tamil Nadu, an orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Schools in Chennai and nearby coastal districts will remain closed on October 28 to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Kerala is experiencing widespread rain and thundershowers, with an orange alert in place for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, predicting very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm. A yellow alert has been issued for several other districts, including Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad.
In Telangana, the IMD has forecast heavy rains and issued orange and yellow alerts for October 28. Districts such as Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Mulugu are expected to experience intense showers and strong winds.
Delhi’s Air Quality and Temperature Drop
In the national capital, Delhi, the air quality has deteriorated into the “very poor” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324 recorded on October 26. The city also experienced a minimum temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest recorded in October over the past two years. Authorities are considering cloud seeding exercises to induce artificial rain and alleviate pollution levels.
Advisories and Safety Measures
The IMD has warned of potential flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in hilly and low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall. Residents in affected regions are advised to stay vigilant, follow weather and traffic alerts, and avoid staying in vulnerable or flood-prone areas. Fishermen along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have been strictly warned against venturing into the sea during this period.
As Cyclone Montha approaches, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring timely updates and necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.
