Cyclone Montha Landfall Process Begins

According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued at 1900 hrs IST on October 28, 2025, based on observations at 1730 hrs IST, the cyclone is centered over the westcentral Bay of Bengal near latitude 16.0°N and longitude 82.3°E.

The storm moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 17 kmph during the past six hours. It is currently positioned about 20 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 110 km south of Kakinada, 220 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 460 km southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.

The IMD reports that the landfall process has already commenced and is expected to continue for the next 3-4 hours.

Classified as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, Montha is packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. The forecast indicates it will continue moving north-northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, within the next 3-4 hours while maintaining its intensity.

Recent wind observations highlight the storm’s impact: Machilipatnam recorded 68 kmph, Kakinada 52 kmph, Rajahmundry Airport 50 kmph, Bapatla 33 kmph, and Nellore 25 kmph. These winds are causing disruptions in coastal areas, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.

In addition to the winds, heavy rainfall has been reported since 0830 IST today. Cumulative rainfall amounts include 163 mm in Ulavapadu, 149 mm in Kavali, 132 mm in Dagadarthi, 120 mm in Singarayakonda, and 86 mm in Srungavarapukota. These downpours are likely to lead to flooding in low-lying areas, prompting evacuation efforts and emergency preparations.