Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclone Montha, currently intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, is likely to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh by Tuesday evening or night.

Under the influence of Cyclone Montha, several districts across Odisha are experiencing intense rainfall, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for eight coastal districts of the state.

According to the latest update by the weather department, heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts has been issued for Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Cuttack.

The storm is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching up to 100 km/h, gusting to 110 km/h.

Local authorities have initiated precautionary measures, including evacuation of vulnerable populations and deployment of disaster response teams.

Schools and colleges in affected areas remain closed, and fishermen have been strictly advised against venturing into the sea.

In Bhubaneswar and surrounding regions, continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Also read: Heavy Rains Lash Coastal Odisha As Cyclone Montha Nears

Emergency services are on standby, and the Odisha government has activated control rooms to monitor the situation.

Cyclone Montha has already caused widespread showers across Tamil Nadu and parts of West Bengal, and its impact is expected to intensify as it nears landfall.

The IMD continues to track the cyclone’s movement and urges residents to stay updated through official channels.