Cyclone 'Montha' Slams India’s East Coast, IMD Warns of Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Cyclone Montha made landfall on India’s east coast around midnight on October 28, 2025, near the Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh, bringing gusts of 90–110 km/h and heavy rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone had intensified rapidly over the Bay of Bengal before making landfall and was classified as a 'severe cyclonic storm' during its peak intensity.

The IMD reported that Montha’s outer rain bands had already begun affecting parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha by the evening of October 27, prompting red alerts across several coastal districts. Authorities evacuated more than 40,000 people from low-lying areas and suspended transport services, including trains and flights in affected zones.

In Konaseema, one woman was killed after strong winds uprooted a palm tree. Officials also confirmed damage to over 38,000 hectares of crops, widespread power cuts, and communication disruptions. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said more than 1,200 emergency personnel were deployed for restoration and relief operations.

The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Telangana through October 31, warning that the weakened system could still cause inland flooding as it moves northwestward toward Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Meteorologists note that October to November marks the second peak of India’s cyclone season, with the Bay of Bengal especially prone to rapid storm development. Cyclone Montha’s trajectory, they said, highlights the growing vulnerability of India’s eastern coastline to intense post-monsoon systems.

Officials are now focusing on restoring power, clearing debris, and assessing damage to agriculture and infrastructure. The IMD continues to monitor the weakened system as it moves inland, maintaining advisories for heavy rainfall and strong winds in eastern and central India over the coming days.