The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for Odisha as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into Cyclone Montha within the next 24 hours.
The system is likely to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, according to the latest forecast.
IMD Bhubaneswar Director, Dr. Manorama Mohanty, said,
“The system is expected to intensify into a cyclone soon and may strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28.”
Projected Path and Wind Speed
As per the IMD update, Cyclone Montha is likely to move northwestwards and cross near Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam in Kakinada along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The wind speed is forecast to range between 90 and 100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.
Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across several districts of Odisha between October 27 and 29, prompting authorities to step up preparedness and early warning systems.
Districts Likely to Experience Heavy Rain
Rainfall is likely to intensify in southern and western Odisha. Districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Boudh are expected to witness widespread heavy to very heavy showers during the next few days.
IMD Issues Red, Orange, and Yellow Alerts
Day 2 (Valid from 8:30 AM, Oct 27 to 8:30 AM, Oct 28)
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Orange Alert: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) likely in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Kandhamal.
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Yellow Alert: Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) likely in Nuapada, Bolangir, Boudh, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur.
Day 3 (Valid from 8:30 AM, Oct 28 to 8:30 AM, Oct 29)
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Red Alert: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) with isolated extremely heavy falls (>20 cm) likely in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
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Orange Alert: Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) likely in Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, and Puri.
Day 4 (Valid from 8:30 AM, Oct 29 to 8:30 AM, Oct 30)
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Red Alert: Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (>20 cm) likely in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Rayagada.
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Orange Alert: Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Nuapada, Bolangir, Boudh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
Day 5 (Valid from 8:30 AM, Oct 30 to 8:30 AM, Oct 31)
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Yellow Alert: Heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) likely in Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
The Odisha government has directed all district administrations, particularly in coastal and southern regions, to remain on alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and cyclone shelters have been kept ready in case of evacuation needs.
Officials have also urged the public to stay informed through official IMD bulletins and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
