The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the ‘Montha’ cyclone, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify by Tuesday morning. The system is currently moving northwest at a speed of 15 km/h and may turn into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours.
Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected as the cyclone nears landfall. Districts such as Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Monday.
In Odisha, a red alert has been issued for Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts. Schools and Anganwadis will remain closed till October 30, and tourists have been barred from beaches. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till October 29, as wind speeds may reach 90–100 km/h.
