Governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have declared two-day holidays for all schools and colleges. This decision comes in response to the approaching Cyclone Montha, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28 morning. The closures aim to ensure the safety of students and staff as the storm nears the Indian coast.
Cyclone Montha: Path and Intensification
Cyclone Montha, currently a cyclonic storm, is positioned over the southwest and adjoining areas of the westcentral and southeast Bay of Bengal. Over the past six hours, the weather system moved northwestwards at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour (kmph) . Its location was confirmed at 5:30 AM today , according to IMD observations.
The IMD forecasts Montha will maintain its northwestward trajectory over the southwest and westcentral Bay of Bengal for the next 12 hours. Following this, it will shift direction, moving north-northwestwards. Meteorological data indicates the cyclone will strengthen significantly, becoming a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28 .
The storm is then expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast. This crossing is anticipated between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near the city of Kakinada. Landfall is projected for the evening and night of October 28 . During landfall, Cyclone Montha is expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of up to 110 kmph .
Andhra Pradesh Implements Contingency Plans
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have activated extensive contingency plans across five key districts. These districts include Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and West Godavari. The state’s preparations focus on public safety, initiating evacuations from areas most vulnerable to the storm’s impact. Coastal regions and fishing communities have received urgent advisories, warning against sea travel and recommending immediate safety measures.
School and college administrations in affected districts have implemented immediate closures. Schools within Kakinada district will observe holidays from October 27 through October 31 . Similar closure directives have been issued for Konaseema and Eluru districts. Konaseema Collector R Mahesh Kumar specifically directed all schools and colleges in his district to remain closed on both October 27 and October 28 . These closures ensure students and educators avoid hazardous travel conditions.
Odisha Designates Eight Red Zones
In Odisha, eight districts have been identified as "red zones," signaling the highest level of alert for potential cyclone impact. These districts are Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi. Residents in these areas should prepare for severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, alongside strong winds, is expected to affect these regions significantly on October 28 and October 29 . State authorities are advising residents to follow safety guidelines and official communications closely.
IMD’s Latest Cyclone Tracking
The India Meteorological Department provided precise coordinates for Cyclone Montha at 5:30 AM today . The storm was located at latitude 12.2 degrees north and longitude 85.3 degrees east . This position places Montha approximately 620 kilometers (km) south to southeast of Kakinada and 650 km south to southeast of Vizag. It is also situated 560 km east to southeast of Chennai.
Further tracking indicates the cyclone is 790 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha. It lies 810 km west of Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The IMD continues its rigorous monitoring of Montha’s development and movement, issuing updates as the situation evolves. Residents in the path of the cyclone are urged to stay informed through official channels.