If you’re planning to travel to the East Coast of India or even within that region, know that your travel plans might see a drastic change, thanks to Cyclone Montha in Odisha.
This cyclone has been brewing over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to hit the shores of Machilipatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, 2025 as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Here’s all the information you must know about Cyclone Montha in Odisha hitting the East Coast.
Cyclone Montha To Hit Andhra Pradesh: Important Details To Know
The IMD has predicted that Cyclone Montha is expected to hit landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, particularly between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada. It will hit the land as a severe cyclonic storm during evening/night on October 28, 2025.
While Andhra Pradesh will face the cyclone directly, neighboring states of Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, as well as parts of Chhattisgarh are expected to face the impact.
IMD Weather Forecast For East Coast States
IMD has issued a red alert for Andhra Pradesh for October 27, 28, and 29. The department has also issued a red alert to Odisha on October 28 and 29, and October 28 for Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been issued an orange and yellow alert respectively on October 27 and 28.
According to IMD, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe will see heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28. Coastal Karnataka is also expected to see moderate rain showers during October 26 to 28.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will see isolated extremely heavy rainfall from October 27 to 29, whereas Odisha is expected to also see isolated extremely heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29.
Montha Cyclone Latest Updates (Monday, October 27)
As per IMD, Cyclone Montha moved west-northwestwards in the Bay of Bengal with a speed of 16 km per hour. It laid centered at 2:30 AM over the same area, which is 600 km east-southeast of Chennai, 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 710 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 790 km west of Port Blair.
It is expected that the cyclone will likely continue moving west-northwestwards for the next 12 hours. Thereafter, it is likely to move northwestwards and then north-northwestwards before intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28.
The cyclone is expected to make a landfall somewhere between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during evening/night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm. It will have a maximum sustained wind speed of about 90 to 110 km per hour as per IMD.
Cyclone Montha In Odisha: How Is The State Prepared?
While the cyclone will not make landfall in Odisha directly, the state is expected to face severe impact from Cyclone Montha. The state government of Odisha has mapped eight southern districts which are as follows:
- Koraput
- Malkangiri
- Nabarangpur
- Rayagada
- Gajapati
- Ganjam
- Kandhamal
- Kalahandi
These districts are likely to face extremely heavy rainfall along with strong winds as the cyclone lands up on the East Coast. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that they had begun evacuating vulnerable populations from hilly and landslide-prone areas.
The state government also reported that they have deployed 128 response teams, including ODRAF, NDRF, as well as 99 Fire Service units across the eight districts.
They’ve cancelled all government leaves, activated 24-hour control rooms, and directed hospitals to ensure that they maintain uninterrupted power supply.
Fishing activity has also been halted – over 21,000 vessels, including 2,000 trawlers, have been anchored at fishing harbors and jetties. The government has issued a strict warning for fishermen to stay away from the turbulent seas.
Cyclone Montha In Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Civil Supplies Department has come up with a comprehensive action plan to make sure that those in need receive food, fuel, and other essential supplies during and after the cyclone.
Minister N Manohar ensured that the commodities have been fully stocked at mandate-level points. He also mentioned that fuel stations in coastal districts have been directed to maintain a 100% stock of petrol, diesel, as well as CNG and LPG.
Additionally, he has also asked telecom companies to make sure that mobile network connectivity throughout the duration of the cyclone.
Important Travel Advisory For Tourists Visiting Odisha
The district administration of Gajapati has ordered the closure of all major tourist attractions and waterfalls in the district. This includes popular spots like Mahendragiri and Jirang monastery. The district’s eight waterfalls and three tourist sites have been closed until further notice.
Similarly, most other sites across Odisha will likely remain closed on government orders until further notice. If you’re planning to visit Odisha during this time, make sure to check local weather updates and avoid travel when the rainfall is expected to be at its heaviest.
Also, avoid venturing close to beaches, waterfalls, hilly landslide-prone areas, and other water bodies.
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Summing Up
Cyclone Montha in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh is expected to cause heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and landslides. It is advisable to avoid travel to the heavy rainfall-prone red zones altogether.
Alternatively, you can slightly change your travel plans and avoid venturing out during peak rainfall hours. Keep a tab on local weather conditions, stay in touch with your friends, family, and some locals, and keep a safety first-aid kit handy.
