Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Cyclone Montha is poised to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm this morning, with landfall expected along the Andhra Pradesh coast by evening or night, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In its latest bulletin, the IMD stated: “The severe cyclonic storm is very likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during evening/night of 28th October with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90–100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.”

The cyclone, currently swirling over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has triggered widespread rainfall across coastal Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.

Eight districts in Odisha remain under red alert, with emergency teams deployed and evacuation efforts underway in vulnerable areas.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, with the possibility of flash floods and waterlogging in low-lying regions. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, and ports have been placed on high alert.

Also read: Cyclone Montha: IMD Issues Red Alert For 8 Odisha Districts

The Odisha government has activated control rooms and suspended classes in schools and colleges across affected districts. Meanwhile, disaster response forces are on standby to assist with rescue and relief operations.

Meteorologists caution that the cyclone’s impact could be severe, especially during landfall, with strong winds capable of damaging infrastructure, uprooting trees, and disrupting power supply.