Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada by evening or night today, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As of 5:30 AM IST, the storm was centered approximately:
- 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam
- 270 km south-southeast of Kakinada
- 340 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam
- 550 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha

The cyclone is moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 15 km/h and is expected to maintain this trajectory. IMD forecasts indicate maximum sustained wind speeds of 90–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h during landfall.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have ramped up preparedness, with disaster response teams on alert and evacuation efforts underway in vulnerable coastal areas. The IMD has issued red alerts for multiple districts, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding.

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

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, and ports have been placed on high alert. The Odisha government has activated emergency control rooms and suspended classes in schools and colleges across affected districts.

Meteorologists caution that the storm’s impact could be significant, especially in low-lying areas, and urge residents to follow official advisories and remain indoors during peak storm hours.