Berhampur, Oct 25: In response to an India Meteorological Department (IMD) orange alert forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 25 to 30, the Ganjam District Collector on Saturday issued a directive prohibiting government officials from leaving headquarters during this period, officials said adding that any leave will require prior approval from the Collector.

“No Government officials of this District (Ganjam) should leave the headquarters from 25.10.2025 to 30.10.2025. This is to ensure immediate response and effective coordination in case of any emergency arising out of the adverse weather conditions. In special circumstances the official may be allowed leave by obtaining prior signed from the Collector, Ganjam,” reads the order.

This directive coincides with the latest developments on Cyclone Montha, which is currently brewing over the southeast Bay of Bengal. As of 8:30 AM IST on October 25, the depression was located near latitude 10.8°N and longitude 88.8°E, approximately 1,040 km south-southeast of Gopalpur, Odisha. Moving westward at 7 km/h, it is expected to intensify into a deep depression by October 26 and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 27, according to the IMD.

Also Read: Well-Marked Low-Pressure Area Intensifies Into Depression

Forecast models suggest that Cyclone Montha will continue moving northwestward, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28. It is likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h.

The Ganjam administration has urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories. Emergency teams are on standby, and coastal monitoring has been intensified as the region braces for potential impact.