Cyclone 'Montha' Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on High Alert

Cyclone 'Montha' Develops into a Severe Storm

On Monday, Cyclone 'Montha' escalated into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are on high alert, expediting evacuation efforts as they prepare for the storm's approach near Kakinada tonight. The cyclone is expected to bring winds reaching speeds of 110 kilometers per hour, already causing heavy rainfall and strong winds in coastal areas.

Weather Forecast and Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Jharkhand until October 31 due to the cyclone's impact. According to an IMD bulletin, by 5:30 AM on Tuesday, Cyclone 'Montha' had transformed into a severe cyclonic storm. The name 'Montha' translates to 'fragrant flower' in Thai. As of Tuesday morning, the storm was located 190 kilometers southeast of Machilipatnam, 270 kilometers southeast of Kakinada, and 340 kilometers south-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

The bulletin further indicated that the cyclone is expected to move north-northwestward and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam as a severe cyclonic storm during the evening and night. Wind speeds could reach a maximum of 90-100 kilometers per hour, with gusts potentially hitting 110 kilometers per hour.

Rainfall Alerts for Jharkhand

Meteorologists have issued warnings for Jharkhand, forecasting heavy rainfall in areas such as Simdega, West Singhbhum, Khunti, and Gumla on Tuesday, while very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Chatra, Garhwa, Latehar, and Palamu on Wednesday. They also noted that on October 30 and 31, heavy rain could affect regions including Giridih, Koderma, Lohardaga, Bokaro, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Dumka, Godda, Pakur, and Sahibganj.